KV9 is one of the Valley’s most visitor‑friendly “wow” tombs: long corridors, crisp reliefs, and ceilings filled with astronomical scenes and classic Underworld books (Gates, Caverns, Amduat, and more). Started for Ramesses V and completed for Ramesses VI, it is a Twentieth‑Dynasty masterwork of royal afterlife theology. [1][3]
The essentials, then we go deep. (Citations link to the source list at the bottom.)
KV9 began for Ramesses V and was taken over and expanded for Ramesses VI. The decoration program spans corridors, a pillared hall, and a large burial chamber. [1][2]
One of the Valley’s richest “text libraries”: passages from multiple afterlife compositions, plus ceilings treated as a cosmic map. Expect astronomical scenes and “maps” of the sun’s journey through night. [1]
Opening hours and ticket categories can change by season and policy. Use on‑site signage as the final authority, and treat online information as a guide. [1][4]
If photography is allowed, take quick shots and keep moving—stopping groups in narrow corridors raises humidity. [5]
Workmen’s huts from later activity in the Valley were found above the entrance area of Tutankhamun’s KV62, helping to conceal it for centuries. The best‑known group of such huts was located directly over KV62. [6]
Deeper context for curious travelers: the tomb’s setting, layout, decoration program, and what to look for once you step inside.
Among the open royal tombs, KV9 is famous for two things: (1) a long, immersive route that feels substantial, and (2) ceilings that read like a star‑filled textbook. The Ministry’s monument guide emphasizes that all ceilings are decorated with astronomical scenes and texts, alongside major funerary compositions. [1]
For travelers, it often lands in the “best value” category—more space and more decoration than many other accessible tombs, without the extreme crowds of some headline sites. [3]
KV9 began under Ramesses V, but it was Ramesses VI who completed and expanded the tomb and placed his name across the decorative program. That “take‑over” is why you’ll see KV9 labeled for both kings in modern guides. [1][2]
Like many Valley tombs, KV9 was visited in later periods. Scholars have documented large numbers of visitor inscriptions (graffiti) in corridors and chambers, which tells us the tomb remained accessible for long stretches of time after the New Kingdom. [7]
KV9 follows the straight‑axis “Ramesside” concept: descending corridors lead to a pillared hall, followed by additional corridors and then the burial chamber. Its plan is widely published and is easy to follow on the ground. [1][2]
The overall route is often cited at about ~117 meters from entrance to the far end, making it one of the longer and more satisfying interiors for visitors who want a sense of “journey.” [3]
If you like plans, download and print the KV9 plan before you go—then match each corridor to its texts while inside. [2]
The official monument guide summarizes KV9 as a tomb packed with funerary texts—some are spell collections, others function as “maps” of the night journey of the sun god. [1]
Scenes and texts from the Book of Gates and Book of Caverns appear in key areas, alongside elements of the Amduat and the Book of the Dead. [1]
The burial chamber features the Book of the Earth and an unforgettable ceiling: the sky goddess Nut frames cosmic texts like the Book of the Day and Book of the Night. [1][8]
In plain terms: the walls are a visual script for royal rebirth. The sun’s nightly passage, dangers, helpers, and the dawn “reset” are laid out to empower the king’s transformation into an eternal, justified spirit. [1]
KV9 rewards “slow looking”: pick one corridor, follow one book, then check the ceiling. You’ll leave with a clearer mental map of what an Egyptian royal tomb was designed to do.
The official listing for KV9 includes seasonal visiting hours (commonly around 06:00–17:00). Always confirm on site. [1]
Ticket categories can change (Egyptian / Arab / foreign; adult / student). The Ministry’s KV9 page lists separate ticket prices, and the Valley ticket page lists general entry. Use them as a reference, then confirm at the ticket office. [1][4]
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced policies allowing non‑commercial personal photography in many public sites, but individual monuments and museums may have their own restrictions. The Valley’s official ticket page also notes that mobile phone photography is free in some contexts. Always follow posted signs and staff instructions. [5][4]
The Valley of the Kings is on Luxor’s West Bank. Most visitors arrive by taxi/private car or as part of a West Bank day route (often paired with Hatshepsut’s temple, Medinet Habu, and the Colossi of Memnon).
Quick answers to common questions visitors ask about KV9.
“KV” stands for King’s Valley (Valley of the Kings). The number is a modern catalog label used in archaeology and tourism. KV9 is simply the ninth registered tomb in that system. [1][2]
KV9 began under Ramesses V and was completed/expanded for Ramesses VI, which is why the tomb is often labeled for both kings. [1][2]
It’s one of the Valley’s most diverse decorative programs—multiple Underworld books plus ceilings packed with astronomical scenes and texts. Many visitors remember KV9 as the “look up the whole time” tomb. [1][3][8]
Often, yes—KV9 is commonly listed with its own ticket price. The Ministry’s KV9 page and the Valley ticket page provide the most official online reference, but the ticket office and on‑site signs are the final authority for the day you visit. [1][4]
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced non‑commercial photography permissions in many public places, and the Valley’s official ticket page mentions free mobile phone photography in some contexts. However, rules can differ by tomb and can change—always follow posted signage and staff instructions. [5][4]
Many visitors spend 15–30 minutes inside, depending on crowds and how deeply you want to study the ceilings and texts. Add extra time outside for walking between tombs and reading signage.
Key references used for this page. (Numbers match the in‑text citations like [1], [2], etc.)
[1] Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (Egypt) — Tomb of Ramesses VI (KV9).
[2] Theban Mapping Project — Plan of KV9 (PDF).
[3] Lonely Planet — Tomb of Ramses VI (KV9).
[4] Discover Egypt’s Monuments — Valley of the Kings (tickets & visiting info).
[5] Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities / Egypt Today — Photography policy announcement (2019).
[6] University of Basel, Department of Ancient Civilizations — Worker Huts (Valley of the Kings).
[7] Example research on visitor graffiti in KV9 — The Epigraphic Work in the Tomb of Ramesses VI (PDF).
[8] Wikimedia Commons — Ceiling photo (KV9) (image used for hero background).