Luxor West Bank: how to beat the crowds

Luxor’s West Bank opens early, and the first hour at the Valley of the Kings is worth setting an alarm for. Temperatures and tour-bus volume both rise quickly after 9 a.m.

Purchase the premium tomb tickets in advance when available — KV62 (Tutankhamun) and selected tombs rotate access. A licensed guide helps you choose tombs that match your fitness level and interest in wall art versus depth.

Hatshepsut Temple photographs best in morning light. Pair it with the Colossi of Memnon before crossing back to the East Bank for Karnak in the late afternoon.

If you are staying multiple nights, split the West Bank across two half-days rather than one exhaustive marathon.