KV9 Tomb of Ramesses V and VI Valley of the Kings Luxor
KV9, the Tomb of Ramesses V & VI, dazzles with vibrant celestial ceilings and exceptionally preserved artwork, offering a cosmic journey through ancie...
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Must-see attractions
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KV9 Tomb of Ramesses V and VI Valley of the Kings Luxor
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
KV9, the Tomb of Ramesses V & VI, dazzles with vibrant celestial ceilings and exceptionally preserved artwork, offering a cosmic journey through ancient Egyptian beliefs.
"The most beautiful tomb! Exquisite painting on the arched ceiling depicting the sky goddess Nut."
🎯 Extra Ticket is Worth It
Don't skip the extra ticket for KV9! It's often the cheapest of the special tombs and offers incredible preservation and artistry.
✨ Admire the Celestial Ceiling
The burial chamber ceiling is a masterpiece depicting Nut's journey. Look closely for the Book of Night and Day scenes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vivid Celestial Ceilings
Burial Chamber
Marvel at the breathtaking ceiling depicting the goddess Nut swallowing the sun, symbolizing the daily rebirth. Scenes from the Book of Night and Day offer a cosmic journey.
Intricate Books of the Afterlife
Corridors and Shafts
Explore walls adorned with detailed scenes from the Book of the Gates and Book of Caverns, showcasing the pharaoh's journey through the underworld.
Sharp, Geometric Artistry
Throughout the Tomb
Appreciate the unique art style, described as sharper and more geometric, with a striking blue palette covered in stars and constellations.
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Planning Your Visit
Extra Ticket Required
Timing is Key for Preservation
Best Times
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🎯 Extra Ticket is Worth It
Don't skip the extra ticket for KV9! It's often the cheapest of the special tombs and offers incredible preservation and artistry.
✨ Admire the Celestial Ceiling
The burial chamber ceiling is a masterpiece depicting Nut's journey. Look closely for the Book of Night and Day scenes.
🚶♂️ Take Your Time
The tomb is large with long shafts. Allow ample time to absorb the detailed hieroglyphs and vibrant colors.
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant blues and starry ceilings are incredibly photogenic. Be mindful of lighting conditions inside.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Extra Ticket is Worth It
Don't skip the extra ticket for KV9! It's often the cheapest of the special tombs and offers incredible preservation and artistry.
✨ Admire the Celestial Ceiling
The burial chamber ceiling is a masterpiece depicting Nut's journey. Look closely for the Book of Night and Day scenes.
🚶♂️ Take Your Time
The tomb is large with long shafts. Allow ample time to absorb the detailed hieroglyphs and vibrant colors.
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant blues and starry ceilings are incredibly photogenic. Be mindful of lighting conditions inside.
🧐 Understand the History
Originally for Ramesses V, it was completed by Ramesses VI. This dual occupancy adds to its unique story.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the Tomb of Ramesses V and VI (KV9), often calling it the most beautiful and best-preserved tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Its vibrant celestial ceilings and detailed artwork are major highlights, offering an incredible visual experience for a reasonable extra ticket price. Some find the art style uniquely sharp and geometric, making it a standout among the royal tombs.
"This was the cheapest option of the extra ticket tombs during our visit for about 200 EGP. Don't think you need to pay that much more to see any of the others, as this was good enough for me and also had very few people inside compared to the open tombs."
Nico G.
"Tomb of Ramesses V & VI (KV9): I think this is the most beautiful tomb! On the arched ceiling of the burial chamber, there is an exquisite painting depicting the dual form of the sky goddess Nut. The ceiling is divided into two sections: the lower part illustrates scenes from the Book of Night, showing the sun god’s journey through the underworld during the night; the upper part depicts the Book of Day, representing the sun god’s rebirth from the underworld and the start of a new journey, symbolizing the beginning of each day.-6/1/25"
詹頤
"This tomb is a standout. You pay extra (180 EGP), I guarantee you won’t regret it. It is big, large, astonishing design and the level of preservation is incredible."
Jean Blans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
KV9 is located in the Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West Bank. You'll need to arrange transportation to the Valley of the Kings entrance, typically by taxi or tour. From the entrance, you can take the park's internal shuttle bus to reach the vicinity of KV9.
Yes, KV9 is one of the more accessible tombs within the Valley of the Kings. It's often marked and signposted, and its location is generally well-known among guides and visitors.
Most visitors use the shuttle bus provided within the Valley of the Kings to move between different tomb sites. Taxis are also available outside the main entrance, but walking between closer tombs is also an option if you prefer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, KV9 requires an additional, separate ticket beyond the general entrance ticket for the Valley of the Kings. This extra ticket is often described as being very affordable and well worth the cost for the tomb's beauty. +1
The price for the KV9 extra ticket can vary, but it's consistently mentioned as being one of the cheaper options for special tombs, often around 200-220 EGP (approximately $4-5 USD) as of recent visits.
Tickets for the Valley of the Kings and any additional tomb tickets are typically purchased at the ticket office located at the entrance to the Valley of the Kings. It's advisable to confirm current purchasing options closer to your travel date.
The general Valley of the Kings ticket usually grants access to a selection of tombs (typically three). However, KV9 is considered a 'special' tomb and requires its own separate ticket.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can change, but generally, photography inside the tombs in the Valley of the Kings is restricted or requires a separate photo permit. It's best to check the latest regulations at the ticket office. Flash photography is almost always prohibited to protect the ancient artwork.
The celestial ceiling in the burial chamber and the vibrant, detailed wall paintings depicting scenes from the Books of the Afterlife are the most iconic photo subjects. The unique geometric art style also makes for striking images.
The main burial chamber with its stunning ceiling and the wider corridors showcasing the detailed hieroglyphs and astronomical scenes are highly photogenic. The vibrant blue hues and starry depictions are especially captivating.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
KV9 is renowned for its exceptional preservation, vibrant colors, and unique celestial ceiling. Its art style is often described as sharper and more geometric, offering a distinct visual experience. It's also noted for its spacious corridors and lengthy shafts.
Given its size and the intricate details, plan to spend at least 20-30 minutes inside KV9 to fully appreciate its artistry and historical significance. This allows time to absorb the details without feeling rushed.
While it requires an extra ticket, KV9 is often less crowded than some of the more famous or easily accessible tombs. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can further minimize crowds.
KV9 was initially started by Ramesses V and completed by his uncle, Ramesses VI. This dual occupancy and the tomb's impressive decoration make it a key site for understanding 20th Dynasty royal burial practices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that an extra ticket is required for KV9, so factor this into your family's budget. The tomb is generally well-lit, but it's advisable to bring a small flashlight if you want to examine the finer details of the hieroglyphs up close. Ensure children are supervised to avoid touching the delicate wall paintings.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the general Valley of the Kings ticket is essential, the extra fee for KV9 is often highlighted as a great value. It provides access to a tomb with exceptional preservation and artistry, often with fewer crowds than some of the more famous, but more expensive, tombs. This makes it a smart way to experience the grandeur of royal burials without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dual Royal Occupancy of KV9
+1This practice of reusing or expanding tombs was not uncommon in ancient Egypt, especially when a pharaoh died unexpectedly or if a previously prepared tomb was deemed insufficient. The fact that KV9 was utilized by two rulers from the 20th Dynasty provides valuable insights into the administrative and religious practices of the time. Visitors can appreciate how the tomb's features might have been adapted or enhanced to suit the needs of the second pharaoh.
+1The tomb's layout is typical of the 20th Dynasty, often described as simpler than some earlier royal tombs but exceptionally well-preserved. The extensive decoration, covering the walls and ceilings with intricate religious texts and astronomical scenes, is a testament to the artistry and beliefs of the Ramesside period.
Artistry and Preservation: A Visual Feast
The tomb's walls are adorned with detailed scenes from various funerary texts, including the Book of the Gates, the Book of Caverns, and the Amduat. These texts illustrate the pharaoh's journey through the underworld and his eventual rebirth, offering a glimpse into ancient Egyptian cosmology and beliefs about the afterlife. The sharp, geometric style of the artwork is also a notable feature, setting it apart from other tombs.
The exceptional preservation of KV9 is attributed in part to the debris from its excavation inadvertently helping to bury the entrance to Tutankhamun's tomb, thus protecting it from ancient looters. This fortunate circumstance has allowed modern visitors to witness the tomb's artwork in remarkable detail, making it a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian art and history.
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