KV63
Monument Funerary chamber near Tutankhamun's tomb containing burial goods
Discovered near Tutankhamun’s tomb, KV63 in the Valley of the Kings contained coffins and embalming materials; archaeologists opened it in the 21st century and it interests those following Egyptological finds.
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KV63 is a shaft and chamber in the Valley of the Kings near Tutankhamun’s tomb that was excavated in 2005-2006 and identified as a funerary or embalming cache from the New Kingdom period. The find included coffins, pottery and materials associated with mummification rather than a complete, intact burial.
There is no public access to KV63 in the way larger royal tombs are presented; the site is principally of archaeological and conservation interest because of the assemblage of coffins, jars and embalming equipment recovered during excavation. The material provided new information about royal funerary practice in the 18th Dynasty.
Excavations carried out by Egyptian archaeological authorities in 2005-2006 uncovered the shaft, chamber and its contents; pottery and other finds place the assemblage in the New Kingdom, most likely the 18th Dynasty. Interpretations favor its use as part of funerary/embalming activity associated with nearby royal burials.
KV63 lies in the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor, Egypt, close to other numbered royal tombs and within the same archaeological precinct as Tutankhamun’s tomb (KV62).
- Discovery: Discovered in 2005-2006 by an Egyptian archaeological team, the chamber contained coffins, storage jars and embalming equipment and has been interpreted as an embalming cache rather than a standard burial.
- Access: Located close to Tutankhamun's tomb (KV62) in the Valley of the Kings, the site is managed as an active archaeological and conservation project and is not open for routine tourist visits.
How to Get to KV63 #
KV63 is also in the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. Access is the same as for other tombs: from Luxor cross the Nile by ferry or taxi and drive to the Valley of the Kings visitor area (about 5-10 km, around 10-20 minutes). Entry to the Valley requires a site ticket at the visitor centre and some tombs (including KV63 at times) may be closed or have restricted access.
Tips for Visiting KV63 #
- KV63 is generally treated as a research/storage chamber rather than a regular show tomb; public access is limited and intermittent, so verify current visiting status with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities before including it in an itinerary.
- Plan alternative ways to learn about KV63 (museum displays, publications, guided Valley of the Kings tours) because expecting to enter it on a typical Luxor visit is often unrealistic.
Best Time to Visit KV63 #
KV63 is in the Luxor area and, when public access is possible, is best visited during the cooler months (October-April); confirm opening status in advance.
Weather & Climate near KV63 #
KV63's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 41°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 41°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 41°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
