Gateway to the Pharaohs
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PHONE: 1 877 260 3950
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, known as the Pyramid of Giza, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only remaining largely intact.
The Great Pyramid was built for the Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops in Greek) over 20 years. It was completed around 2560 BCE. The pyramid originally stood 481 feet (147 meters) tall, making it the tallest artificial structure in the world for over 4,000 years.
This guide explains the construction of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. It will also attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the site, such as: What is the operating hours? What are the entrance fees? What should I wear? - and more.
Construction of the Pyramid was achieved by the excavation of an estimated 2.3 million blocks weighing 6 million tons in total, with most slabs not being uniform or appropriately shaped for construction purposes; only roughly dressing them together helped create one of the most significant buildings ever made at that time (and still standing!). It stands as a testament to the amazing workmanship of the ancient Egyptians.
The outside layers were bound using mortar before being deposited atop each other along traditional Snefru alignments, which can be seen today as white scars against dark granite walls lining perceived "rooms" inside King's Chamber - where they served both structural integrity and religious function related to sun exposure throughout the year). Other imported materials included White limestone from the Tura region near Cairo, Egypt was also used.
The interior of the Great Pyramid consists of three chambers. The lowest chamber, which descends below the pyramid, known as the underground chamber, is cut into the bedrock and was originally intended as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu but was left unfinished. It is thought that the pharaoh changed his mind and instead wanted to be buried higher in the pyramid. The middle section, known as the Queen's Chamber, was designed for the burial of Khufu's wife, Queen Hetepheres. The upper chamber, known as the King's Chamber, is located in the very centre of the pyramid and is the burial chamber of the Pharaoh Khufu.
The Great Pyramid was covered in white limestone casing stones, giving the pyramid its smooth appearance. The casing stones were cut to an exact size and shape and fitted together perfectly. Many of the casing stones are still in place today.
The Great Pyramid was originally topped by a pyramidion, a capstone made of granite. The pyramidion weighed around 15 tons and was placed on top of the pyramid using a system of pulleys and levers.
The Great Pyramid was the tallest artificial structure in the world for over 4,000 years. It was only surpassed in height in the 19th century CE with the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
The Egyptian pharaoh Khufu (c 2589-2566 BC) was the second ruler of the 4th Dynasty and built one of the Seven Wonders Of The World - The Great Pyramid at Giza. He ruled for over 20 years before designing this fantastic structure, considered one of the most famous architectural achievements ever seen on Earth.
Khufu's career started after taking up the throne from father Snefru, the builder/founder of several major Egyptian pyramids, including the Red Pyramid near Dashur, which initially made smooth-sided showcases for allotments within a complex later.
One of the most prominent features of the Khufu Pyramid is the Grand Gallery, a 150-foot-long ( 45-meter) corridor that ascends to the king's chamber. This hallway is thought to have been used as a passageway for funeral processions. It is also believed to have been designed with acoustics in mind; researchers believe that sounds made in the Grand Gallery would resonate in such a way as to amplify the voice of whoever was speaking.
The centrepiece of the Khufu pyramid is undoubtedly the King's Chamber, where it is thought that Pharaoh Khufu's body was initially interred as fragments of his sarcophagus have been found. This room is built out of granite, a material brought up hundreds of miles away and laboriously sculpted into shape. Five grand limestone columns support the chamber roof, each measuring over 70 feet (21 meters) in height.
Though it doesn't boast the same grandeur as the King's Chamber, the Queen's Chamber holds an important place in our understanding of Ancient Egyptian burial practices. This room was confusingly named by early explorers who assumed it was the burial place of the queen. However, the modern consensus is that it was either another abandoned burial chamber constructed before Khufu finally settled for the King's chamber higher up in the pyramid, or it was built to house a large statue of the Pharaoh Khufu rather than as a burial chamber.
The best time to visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu is during winter, from December to March. The weather is cool during this time, making it more comfortable to walk around and explore. Plus, there are fewer tourists during the winter so that you can enjoy the pyramid without massive crowds. Remember that Egyptians are Muslim, so visitors should dress modestly out of respect for local customs.
Step One: Book a Tour
We recommend booking a tour before you leave for your holiday in Egypt or from a reputable local tour operator in Cairo or online. Tours will usually include all your transportation along with the entrance tickets and is by far the easiest way to arrange a visit to the Great Pyramids at Giza.
Step Two: Arrive Early
We recommend arriving as early as possible--aim for opening time, typically around 8 am. Not only will this help you avoid the crowds, but it will also allow you to experience the true surrealism of being in such an ancient and iconic place.
Step Three: Explore the Complex
Once inside the complex, take some time to explore all it has to offer. In addition to the three main pyramids (Khufu's included), several smaller tombs and temples are worth checking out. Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to take everything in full.
A lot of people need clarification about what the dress code is when visiting the pyramid of Khufu. The following section will suggest what you should and shouldn't wear when visiting this fantastic ancient site!
When packing for your trip, make sure to bring along loose and comfortable clothing. It can be scorching in Egypt, reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, so it's essential to wear light clothing that will keep you cool. Cotton is always a good choice. It's also a good idea to avoid wearing anything too revealing. Although there is no specific dress code, covering your shoulders and knees is always respectful when entering a religious site.
As for footwear, closed-toe shoes are a must. The pyramid is situated in the sandy desert, so wearing shoes that provide good grip and support is essential. Avoid wearing high heels or flip-flops, as they can be dangerous.
When bringing a bag, make sure it's small and easy to carry. You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so having a bag that won't strain your back or shoulders is essential.
The Khufu Pyramid is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm or 8 am to 4 pm during the winter. The last admission is at 4 pm or 3 pm during the winter.
The Pyramid of Khufu is an iconic landmark that attracts millions of visitors worldwide yearly. There are many reasons why tourists love visiting this ancient Wonder of the World, from its awe-inspiring size to its rich history and beautiful location. If you're planning a trip to Egypt, visit the Great Pyramid of Giza on your itinerary!
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