The Pyramid of Khufu Overview

The Pyramid of Khufu was the first and the largest of the three pyramids built on the Giza plateau. The Great Pyramid of Khufu was completed around 2560 BC and was the tallest structure for more than 3,800 years. It was constructed over a period of 20 years for the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Khufu, who was the second king of the 4th dynasty. He was also known by his Greek name Cheops. The pyramid of Khufu is also popularly known as the Great Pyramid of Giza owing to its grand stature of 146 meters above the plateau. Apart from its massive height, The Great Pyramid of Khufu is also lauded for its precise architecture and execution. The base length of the pyramid on all its four sides is over 230 meters and the difference between each side is no more than 4.4 centimeters. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World for its magnificence, and for being the tallest man-made structure. The outstanding structure of the architecture of the Pyramid of Khufu is challenging to achieve today, even with modern technology. The majestic tomb of pharaoh Khufu is accompanied by the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the Great Sphinx of Giza.

Facts About Pyramid of Khufu

Construction of Pyramid of Khufu
Construction of Pyramid of Khufu

The Khufu Pyramid of Giza was constructed with roughly 2.3 million stone blocks of which a few weigh over 50-80 tons. The core stones for the formation of the inner monolith were extracted from Giza and were strategically placed at an angle. And the outer casing blocks were placed in a horizontal sequence and spaces were filled with plaster made of gypsum. Originally the outer casing was done using Tura limestone which reflected the sunlight quite brightly. It is also stated that the top of the pyramid was to be covered in gold whose light would have been visible from a great distance


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Interior of Pyramid of Khufu
Interior of Pyramid of Khufu

The interior of the Pyramid of Khufu has some mysterious chambers and passageways. The entrance to the inside of the pyramid of Khufu is quite an adventure as you need to crawl through a congested elevation towards a chamber that opens up to a gorgeous view of the Grand Gallery. The interior of the King’s Chamber is built entirely from red granite that was brought from the southern quarries of Aswan. Above the King’s chamber are five stress-relieving chambers made of huge granite blocks.


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History of Pyramid of Khufu
History of Pyramid of Khufu

The pyramid of Khufu took over 20 years to complete. Its construction started around 2580 BC and was completed around 2560 BC. The Khufu Pyramid of Giza was built originally with shining limestones that beautifully reflected the sun's rays throughout the day. However, these stones were destroyed during the early years of its completion. The pyramid of Khufu is the tallest man-made structure and is 141 meters tall. The giant monolith is accompanied by the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure.


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Excavations of Pyramid of Khufu
Excavations of Pyramid of Khufu

The restoration of the pyramid of Khufu was done by the succeeding pharaoh, including Amenhotep II, of the New Kingdom. Throughout the Middle Ages, the pyramid was ransacked multiple times, even by Caliph al-Mamun in 820 AD. In 1765, a modern traveler named Nathaniel Davison was the first to see the inside of Khufu’s pyramid. This was followed by the first real excavation by Giovani Belzoni and was continued by Colonel Vyse in 1835 who discovered four additional chambers.


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Know Before You Visit the Pyramid of Khufu

Essential Information
Highlights
Essential Information

Location: Giza Necropolis, Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, Egypt

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM (During Summer), 8 AM to 4 PM (During Winter)

How To Reach-

By Taxi: You can take a local taxi or an Uber to the Pyramid complex.

By Bus: You can board a public bus or a microbus to the Pyramid complex. For public buses take routes 355, 357, 900, or 997 to Giza.

By Metro: Metro line 2 will take you to the nearest station- Giza located on Al Haram Road, from there take the 900 or 997 bus or a taxi to the Giza Necropolis.

Best Time To Visit: Winters are the best time to experience Egypt since the heat is quite harsh during the summer season. The months of October to March are most favorable if you wish to avoid Egyptian heat. However, if you’re visiting during the summer, start your tour early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.

Tips To Visit the Pyramid of Khufu

Tips To Visit the Pyramid of Khufu
  • To cut down the travel time from Cairo to Giza, choose a hotel in Giza with a view of the pyramids.
  • If you love ancient and historic facts, hiring a tour guide will be a great option.
  • Beat the heat and the rush by visiting the pyramids early in the morning around 10 AM.
  • The pyramid complex is massive and it gets really hot during the afternoon, so you can choose to ride a camel.
  • Wear light clothes as it will be very hot throughout the day and even inside the pyramids.
  • Put your bargaining skills to use at local Egyptian shops.

FAQs

Can We Book Pyramid of Giza Tickets online?

    The tickets for a visit to the Pyramid of Giza can be booked online. A wide range of websites offers online booking services which include a guided tour of the entire pyramid complex. Depending on your tickets, it may also include a pick-and-drop service from Cairo or Giza to the Giza Necropolis.

What’s Inside the Pyramid Of Giza?

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Inside the Pyramid of Khufu

Inside the Khufu Pyramid

Inside the Pyramid of Khufu, a monumental marvel of ancient engineering, lies a labyrinthine journey into the heart of history. Standing tall amidst the desert sands, this enigmatic structure has captivated the world for centuries. As you step through its weathered entrance, you embark on an expedition that transcends time. Darkened corridors lead to chambers that once housed the treasures of a pharaoh, whose legacy reverberates through millennia. The air is thick with the weight of ages, whispering tales of a civilization's ingenuity and spirituality.


The ascending passages challenge your senses, as you inch closer to the apex, where the ancient architects' precision is displayed in the majestic Grand Gallery. With each step, the pyramid's secrets unravel — the construction mysteries, the symbolic significance, and the awe-inspiring artistry. The echoes of the past envelop you, transcending the boundaries of space and reality. Inside these ancient stone walls, history comes alive, inviting you to decipher its ageless riddles and bask in the wonder of the ages.