Contents

Exploring the Great Pyramid of Khufu | A Glimpse into the Pharaoh's Enduring Legacy

Pyramid of GizaPyramid of Khufu



Book tickets to visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu

Pyramids of Giza Grounds: Skip-the-Line Tickets
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
More details
Half-Day Guided Tour of the Giza Pyramids & Sphinx with Transfers
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
4 hr. 30 min. - 5 hr.
Guided tour
Transfers included
More details
Full-Day Guided Tour of Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx & Saqqara with Transfers & Lunch
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
7 hr. - 8 hr.
Guided tour
Transfers included
More details
Pyramids & Museum Guided Tour with BBQ Lunch & Hotel Transfers from Cairo
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
8 hr.
Guided tour
Transfers included
More details
Nile River Dinner Cruise with Entertainment & Transfers
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hr.
Transfers included
More details
Combo: Pyramids & Sphinx Half-Day Guided Tour + Nile River Boat Tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
5 hr.
Guided tour
More details
Grand Egyptian Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hr.
Guided tour
Transfers included
More details
Guided Tour of the Egyptian Museum, Pyramids & the Bazaar
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
8 hr.
Guided tour
Transfers included
More details
Full-Day Tour of Cairo & Giza with Round-Trip Transfers from Hurghada
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
16 hr.
Guided tour
Transfers included
More details
Pyramids, Bazaar and Citadel Tour with Photographer
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
6 hr.
Guided tour
More details

The Pyramid of Khufu, also called the Great Pyramid of Giza, is the oldest pyramid in the Giza Plateau. It was built for the pharaoh Khufu in the 26th century BC. Today, it is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that still remains intact. Read more to learn about this ancient wonder.

What is the Great Pyramid of Khufu?

great pyramid of giza

Interesting facts about the Great Pyramid of Khufu

  • The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one that remains intact today.
  • The pyramid is 138 meters (454 feet) tall, with a square base whose sides measure 230 meters (755 feet) each.
  • The Great Pyramid initially stood at 146.5 meters (481 feet) high, and held the record for the man-made tallest structure in the world for 3,800 years, until the construction of Lincoln Cathedral in England in 1311.
  • It was built using around 2.3 million blocks of stone, and these consist of approximately 5.5 million tons of limestone and 8,000 tons of granite
  • The Pyramid of Khufu was once covered in a casing that was made of white limestone, that was so highly polished that it would reflect the sun’s rays. However, this has now disappeared.
  • The Great Pyramid is surrounded by several buildings including several smaller, subsidiary, queens’ pyramids, mastaba tombs for nobility and other family members, buried boats, and a pair of temples. 

Khufu and the Great Pyramid of Giza

Pyramid of Khufu
Great Pyramid of Giza

Visiting the Pyramid of Khufu

Pyramid of Khufu opening hours
pyramid of khafre

About the Great Pyramid of Khufu

Pyramid of Khufu
Great Pyramid of Giza
Pyramid of Khufu
Great Pyramid of Giza

Queen’s Pyramids

To the east of the Great Pyramid of Khufu's, there three small pyramids, some just 20m high. These are the tombs of Khufu’s wives and sisters, popularly known as the Queens' Pyramids.

They include the Pyramid of Hetepheres I, Khufu’s mother, and the Queens Meritites and Henutsen, his wives.

The Pyramid of Hetepheres was discovered in 1925, along with her burial shaft nearby. Her tomb was filled with her luxurious grave treasures, including a gold covered bed and palanquins, decorated armchairs, and more. These items can now be seen in the Cairo Museum.

Frequently asked questions about the Great Pyramid of Khufu

What is the Pyramid of Khufu?

The Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza is an iconic symbol of ancient Egypt. Situated on the Giza plateau near the city of Cairo, it was built over a 20-year period over 4,500 years ago.

Who was the Pyramid of Khufu built for?

The Pyramid of Khufu was built as an elaborate tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu belonging to the Fourth Dynasty, who ruled Egypt around 4500 years ago. The Pharaoh Khufu was one of the first kings of the Old Kingdom in Egypt who supervised the construction of the Pyramids of Giza.

Is the Pyramid of Khufu one of the pyramids of Giza?

Yes, the Pyramid of Khufu is one of the pyramids in the Giza Necropolis. The Pyramid of Khufu is also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza and is the oldest and the largest pyramid on the Giza Plateau.

Why is the Pyramid of Khufu important?

The Pyramid of Khufu is the northernmost and tallest pyramid in Giza and stands as a testament to the skills and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. It is the final resting place of Pharaoh Khufu, demonstrating the importance of their burial rituals. The Great Pyramid showcases remarkable architectural and engineering skills of its time, with precise construction techniques that still astound experts. The Giza Necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Great Pyramid of Khufu is known as one of the wonders of the ancient world.

What is inside the Pyramid of Khufu?

The inside of the Pyramid of Khufu features three burial chambers that housed the king’s sarcophagus along with his treasures. Three smaller queen's pyramids and two boat pits are also associated with Khufu.

Can you go inside the Pyramid of Khufu?

Yes, visitors are allowed to explore the inside of the Pyramid of Khufu. You can go in through the 'Robber’s Tunnel' through the Grand Gallery and to the King’s Chamber. Explore the inner passageways and sarcophagus of the Pharaoh Khufu inside this pyramid complex.

How tall is the Pyramid of Khufu?

Today, the Pyramid of Khufu stands at 138.5 meters (454.4 feet). It is estimated that the Great Pyramid had been taller in the past. The centuries of erosion and plundering have rendered it in its current state.

Can I buy tickets to visit the Pyramid of Khufu?

Yes, you can buy tickets to visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu online to save time and money. Online ticket bookings are also convenient and hassle-free. You can choose from a variety of options, a half-day guided tour to the Pyramids and the Sphinx, or a full-day tour that also includes the bazaars. Please check your ticket details before confirming your payment as in some cases, you have to pay a separate fee to explore the interiors of the Pyramid of Khufu.