Tutankhamun’s Tomb: The Discovery That Captivated the World
Howard Carter’s team found the entrance to KV62 on 4 November 1922. Its four small chambers contained around 5,000 objects, making it the most celebrated near-intact royal burial discovered in the Valley of the Kings.
The tomb is modest in scale, probably reflecting Tutankhamun’s short reign and early death. Only the burial chamber was decorated, with scenes of the king before deities, his funeral and a passage from the Amduat.
Today visitors come for the authentic burial space rather than the treasure collection. The nested shrines, coffins and most portable objects were removed for conservation and museum display.
Ten Highlights of Tutankhamun’s Tomb
Follow the discovery, architecture and surviving decoration of archaeology’s most famous royal tomb.
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Plan Your KV62 Visit
Check Current Access
KV62 commonly requires a separate ticket; confirm official arrangements before visiting.
Allow 20–30 Minutes
The tomb is small, but its history and painted chamber reward a focused visit.
Arrive Early
Morning visits generally mean cooler valley conditions and easier planning.
Expect Compact Rooms
KV62 is much smaller than many royal tombs and can feel crowded.
Follow Current Rules
Photography policies change; never use flash and obey staff instructions.
Prepare for Descent
The entrance includes steps and a sloping passage into confined spaces.
Do Not Touch
Keep away from painted walls and respect barriers protecting the burial chamber.
Add an Egyptologist
Expert explanation separates the original tomb from the treasures now displayed elsewhere.
Explore KV62 with a Private Egyptologist
Connect the compact architecture, surviving paintings and 1922 excavation with the young king’s extraordinary modern legacy.
Remarkable Facts About KV62
Entrance Discovered
Howard Carter’s team uncovered the first step leading to KV62.
Recorded Objects
The crowded rooms preserved an extraordinary royal burial assemblage.
A Short Reign
Tutankhamun ruled for roughly nine years during the late 14th century BCE.
Painted Decoration
Only the burial chamber carries the tomb’s surviving wall decoration.
Discover Tutankhamun on an Egypt Journey
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Nearby Attractions Around KV62
Continue with four published Luxor attraction guides.
Valley of the Kings
Plan the wider royal necropolis and choose other open tombs.
Explore →
Tutankhamun’s Tomb Visitor Questions
Where is Tutankhamun’s tomb?
KV62 lies in the central Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank.
Who discovered KV62?
Howard Carter’s team discovered the entrance on 4 November 1922, with excavation funded by Lord Carnarvon.
Why was the discovery so important?
KV62 preserved an unusually complete royal burial assemblage of around 5,000 recorded objects.
Is Tutankhamun’s gold mask still inside?
No. The mask and most portable treasures were removed for conservation and museum display.
What remains inside KV62?
Visitors see the authentic tomb, painted burial chamber, stone sarcophagus and the royal mummy subject to current display arrangements.
Why is the tomb so small?
Its compact scale is often connected with Tutankhamun’s short reign and unexpected early death.
Is KV62 included in the standard valley ticket?
Ticket arrangements change, but KV62 commonly requires a separate ticket; verify before visiting.
How long should I allow?
Allow roughly 20 to 30 minutes for the compact interior, subject to visitor controls.
Is KV62 part of a UNESCO site?
Yes. The Valley of the Kings forms part of Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis.
What should I visit nearby?
Explore other Valley of the Kings tombs, Hatshepsut Temple, Deir el-Medina and Luxor Museum.