El-Khokha

El-Khokha is a sector of the Theban Necropolis on the west bank of the Nile opposite modern Luxor, containing a cluster of private tombs and chapels. It is one of several named hill sectors used for burial along the Theban necropolis.

The area contains rock-cut tomb chapels, decorated burial chambers and carved facades set into a hillside. Surviving elements include painted or carved relief fragments and carved lintels; the scale is modest compared with major royal tombs but important for studying private funerary architecture.

Tombs in El-Khokha were carved and used mainly during the New Kingdom and later periods by local officials and priests. Excavations and clearing of tombs have taken place intermittently during modern archaeological campaigns focused on the Theban Necropolis.

Geographically the site sits on the Theban hills on the Nile’s west bank, directly across from the modern city of Luxor in Upper Egypt. It is visited as part of West Bank itineraries that include nearby large complexes such as the Valley of the Kings and the Ramesseum.

• Access: Part of the larger Theban Necropolis on the Nile’s west bank, best visited together with other West Bank tomb sites rather than alone.
• On-site highlights: Many tomb chapels are private tombs of New Kingdom officials; interior decoration and reliefs may be limited compared with the more famous tombs at nearby sites.

El-Khokha is on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor (ancient Thebes). Visitors generally reach the area by road from Luxor city and combine it with visits to nearby necropolis sites. Local guides and ministry-arranged transport are common for archaeological visits.

• Visit early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat and to see the quiet of the ruined streets.
• Wear good shoes-surfaces are uneven and the archaeological remains include exposed masonry and rubble.
• Bring water and sun protection; the site is exposed with little shade in many areas.