GREAT PYRAMID OF KHUFU (CHEOPS)
The oldest pyramid in Giza and the largest in Egypt, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, stood 146m high when it was completed around 2570 BC. After 46 windy centuries, its height has been reduced by 9m. About 2.3 million limestone blocks, reckoned to weigh about 2.5 tonnes each, were used in the construction.
Tickets, sold from a kiosk in front and slightly to the east (city side) of the pyramid, are limited to 300 per day starting at 7.30am. During the winter you’ll probably need to queue early, especially on Wednesday and Thursday, when tour groups from the Red Sea visit Cairo for the day. Note that only Egyptian pounds are accepted.
Past the entrance, on the north face, a passage descends to an unfinished tomb about 100m along and 30m deep in the bedrock. Before you reach this, about 20m after the entrance, another passage, 1.3m high and 1m wide, ascends for about 40m to reach the Great Gallery, an impressive area 47m long and 8.5m high. At the start of the gallery, a small horizontal passage leads into the so-called Queen’s Chamber. As you continue through the Great Gallery, notice how precisely the blocks in the ceiling fit together. In the 10m-long King’s Chamber at the end, the walls are built of red granite blocks. The ceiling itself consists of nine huge slabs of granite, which weigh more than 400 tonnes. Above these slabs, four more slabs are separated by gaps which are designed to distribute the enormous weight away from the chamber. Good a irflow from the modern ventilation system (built into two ancient air shafts) will help you breathe easier as you contemplate the tremendous weight suspended above you.
Outside, on the eastern side of the pyramid, three small structures some 20m high resemble pyramid-shaped piles of rubble. These are the Queens’ Pyramids, the tombs of Khufu’s wives and sisters. You can enter some of them, but they’re quite steamy inside.
Visit one of the most ancient buildings in History: Khufu Pyramid on tour to The great Pyramid In Cairo, Egypt.
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FAQ
A-8 days in Egypt, including a Nile River cruise and professional, private guides, will cost approximately $1,500 per person. Not bad considering this estimate also includes private guides for all of the sites and attractions.
A-There is no FCO advice against travel to Cairo, Alexandria, the tourist areas along the Nile, and the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. The section of the country between the Nile and the Red Sea is also considered mostly safe.
A-If weather is your primary concern, the best time to visit Egypt is during the northern hemisphere fall, winter or early spring (October to April), when temperatures are lower. To avoid the crowds at ancient sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, and Abu Simbel, try to avoid peak season (December and January).
A- An Egypt visa is required for most travelers including American and British passport holders. Americans and citizens fro 40 other countries can obtain an Egypt visa on arrival at the Cairo International airport at the bank kiosks before the immigration counters for $25 USD and are valid for visits up to 30 days.
A-Pants, Capris, Leggings, and Shorts...Basically, as long as your knees are covered, you are good. So whether you choose pants or capris, you will feel comfortable and remain respectful. Local women wear long pants or skirts.
A-On our Egypt tours that travel south to Aswan, include 3 or 4 night Nile cruise as standard. There is always the option to upgrade to a 5 star Luxury Nile cruise, which offers well–appointed and outward facing cabins.
A-The fixed deposit amount is 25% of the tours total price Except for Egypt Christmas tours, new years and other peak seasons where the deposit goes up to 50%.