Al-Qurn

Located on the West bank of the Nile, opposite Thebes, modern Luxor, the peak of Al-Qurn, el-Qorn ( _ar. القرن) is the modern name for the highest point (420m) in the Theban Hills. Its ancient name was Ta Dehent, or 'the peak'. It has an almost pyramidal shape when viewed from the entrance to the Valley of the Kings, and therefore some Egyptologists believe it may have been the reason for choosing the location as a Royal Necropolis.

The area was associated with the goddess Hathor and also the serpent goddess Meretseger: as known, cobra spreads its hood when it prepares for attack. Near the highest point one can see a plate shaped rock formation pointing out a few meters from the side of the hill. It is very easy to see as a spread hood of a cobra.

The peak can be reached by foot from two directions, starting the climbing from the Valley of the Kings or near Deir el-Medina. The climbing takes an hour - an hour and a half and the same time to get back.

The Deir el-Medina route is easier in that sense that 75% of the route is laid with concrete stairs, but on the other hand the rest 25% may be a bit more difficult so that at one point even hands must be used in climbing (still, no specific climbing skills needed and it is suitable for elderly and females also). It should be noted that two manned guarding posts (buildings) are located on the Deir el-Medina route that adds safety. The cobra shaped rock formation is on the Deir el-Medina route but it can easily be reached from both directions.

[http://youtube.com/watch?v=v8uzf1l6v1M Click here to see a low quality panorama video clip shot from the top]