Great Pyramid of Khufu
The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest pyramid at Giza, originally about 146.5 metres high, and the only surviving monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Historical Overview
The Great Pyramid was built as the royal tomb of Khufu, a Fourth Dynasty king who ruled in the twenty-sixth century BC. Rising originally to about 146.5 metres, it remained the tallest human-made structure in the world for roughly 3,800 years. The pyramid was constructed primarily from local limestone and once had a smooth outer casing of fine Tura limestone. Its interior is unusual because it contains multiple chambers at different levels. Visitors entering the monument follow passages that lead through the Grand Gallery, an impressive corbelled corridor, toward the King’s Chamber, where a granite sarcophagus remains. Two large dismantled wooden ships were discovered in pits beside the pyramid, reflecting the broader ritual and funerary program of Khufu’s complex. The monument should be understood together with its temples, queens’ pyramids, mastaba cemeteries and surrounding Giza landscape rather than only as an engineering achievement.
Why Visit?
Entering the Great Pyramid is one of Egypt’s most iconic archaeological experiences, especially for visitors interested in ancient engineering and royal burial architecture.
Getting There
Media Gallery
Photo of Great Pyramid of Khufu
Good to Know
Visitor Warnings
- Heat: High sun/heat exposure; carry water and use sun protection.
- Pricing: Warning: while the official mota price for inside the great pyramid is listed as 1,000 egp, on-the-ground reporting indicates visitors are currently charged 1,500 egp at the ticket office.
Overview
The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the only surviving structure of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. Built during the 4th Dynasty (c. 2560 BC), it held the title of the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years. While its exterior scale is breathtaking, deciding whether to go inside requires some practical planning.
Practical Travel Intelligence
- Tickets: Access to the interior is not included in the standard Giza Plateau entrance ticket. It requires a separate, higher-priced ticket which is limited in daily quantity. Arrive early or book in advance to secure entry.
- The Interior Experience: Reaching the King's Chamber requires navigating steep, narrow shafts (at a 26-degree incline) with limited ventilation. If you suffer from claustrophobia or have knee/back issues, it is highly recommended to skip the interior and enjoy the monument from the outside.
- Timing & Crowds: The best time to enter the pyramid is right at opening time (07:00 AM) to avoid the intense midday heat and the arrival of large tour bus groups.
- Photography: Professional cameras are strictly prohibited inside, but mobile phone photography is generally allowed.