The first thought we had after looking at and reading about pyramids was, “Can you go inside the pyramids when you visit Egypt?”

Although Egypt is not the only country boasting pyramids, it is most popularly associated with them.

The famous Pyramids of Giza come to mind when we think of the Egyptian pyramids.

Ever since pyramids were first discovered, people have been wondering if you can go inside the pyramids. Let’s find out.

1. History

While records have been altered over the eons, the original seven ancient wonders of the world include the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Built around 2600 BC, it was considered to be the tallest building made by hand until the construction of the Lincoln Cathedral Spire in 1300 in England.

The Great Pyramid is believed to have been built over 20 years during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu in the 4th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt as his tomb.

The Great Pyramid of Giza was built as Khufu’s tomb and is thus named after him as Khufu’s Pyramid.

The Pyramids of Giza have been the centre of two mysteries when they were discovered:

• Can you go inside the pyramids of Giza?
• How did they build the pyramids, and who were the builders?

The mystery regarding the entry has been solved. However, its construction is still a mystery.

Modern calculations and speculations suggest that the construction of such a structure which has remained standing for centuries would not have been possible in the ancient world.

2. How Can I Plan a Trip to Visit the Pyramids?

When planning an Egypt trip, the pyramids are a tourist attraction that simply cannot be missed.

There are various tour programs that most tourists book when visiting the pyramids, under the guidance of a tour guide to properly soak in the culture.

However, some tourists travel alone if they can’t afford a tour or simply because they prefer to, but it’s affordable to visit pyramids even if you don’t book a tour or a private guide if you know what to do.

You must remember to wear comfortable shoes when visiting pyramids because there will be a lot of walking on sand, which most of us are not used to, and also carry a lot of water.

If you don’t want to walk too much you have the options of both camel rides and horse rides, whichever you’re comfortable using.

You must have come to mind while planning your budget. Like all heritage sites though, there is an entrance fee of around 100 Egyptian Pounds ($10).

3. Can You Go Inside the Pyramids of Giza?

The Egyptians in ancient times believed in life after death. This is why they invested so much in creating beautiful pyramids and filled them with items they thought would help them navigate the other world when they entered the underworld.

One of the exciting facts about pyramids is that they were all built on the west bank of the Nile River, where the sun sets as it was believed to have been the place from where the dead enter the underworld. This is why the Giza pyramids were built so grandly.

Have you been deliberating over “Can you go inside the pyramids of Giza? Is there a way?”

The answer is an absolute yes!

3.1. How Can You Go Inside the Pyramids of Giza?

It may seem daunting, but you can go inside the pyramids. Although it is not very spacious, the entrance tunnels are only waist-height, so you’ll have to bend down and walk a while before reaching the interior.

Go inside one pyramid before purchasing all your tickets so you know if you’re up for visiting all the pyramids since their interiors are all similar. There is a guide to take you inside to ensure a safe experience.

Many tourists, when touring the pyramids’ grounds, besides speculating “How can you go inside the pyramids?”, also want to know if climbing the pyramids is permitted.

Although allowed earlier, people are not permitted to climb the pyramids unless chosen by the officials there to climb them, and the security guards nearby enforce these rules.

4. The Main Pyramids of the Giza Plateau

The pyramid complex houses the three pyramids, the sphinx statue, and the various funerary tombs and cemeteries where the family members who served the pharaoh are buried.

The three main pyramids are:

• Khufu’s Pyramid
• Pyramid of Khafre
• Pyramid of Menkaure

The main pyramids are the Giza plateau’s most prominent attraction.

Yes, you certainly can.

Curious about the timings, around when can you go inside the pyramids? Visitors can start entering at 8 am. While the gates close for everyone at 4 or 5 pm, check with the officials as it depends on the season.

Another question that arises in our minds is, can you enter the pyramids with the ticket you purchased while coming in?

That ticket was only for entry into the complex. The access to enter the pyramids will have to be purchased separately.

4.1. Pyramid of Khufu

The Pyramid of Khufu is the tallest in all of Egypt.

Unfortunately, entry is not free. You will have to purchase a ticket to enter Khufu’s pyramid.

The only entrance inside is through the Grand Gallery to the King’s chamber, where Khufu’s empty granite sarcophagus can be seen.

4.2. Pyramid of Khafre

Khafre’s Pyramid was built for Pharaoh Khafre, Khufu’s son. It stands 450 ft. tall as the second-tallest pyramid of the Pyramids of Giza and Egypt.

The Great Sphinx lies in this complex as well, standing guard near the pyramid.

You’ll find a burial chamber containing a granite sarcophagus, which is also empty, courtesy of grave robbers.

“Can you go inside the pyramids of Giza with a single ticket?” Often, tourists visiting for the first time get confused and try to use the same ticket to enter all the pyramids.

However, they later discover that the admission fee is separate for each of the three pyramids.

4.3. Pyramid of Menkaure

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main pyramids and was built for the son of Pharaoh Khafre, Pharaoh Menkaure.

The pyramid has unfinished granite blocks, leading to the theory that the Pharaoh died before the completion of the construction of the pyramids.

However, either Menkaure’s or Khafre’s pyramids are closed alternatively so you should check beforehand if the pyramid you want to visit is open.

5. How to Get to the Pyramid Complex?

If you’re flying solo, or it’s your first time going, and you’re speculating, “Can you go inside the pyramids? And how far are they from civilization?” you have nothing to worry about.

The Pyramids of Giza may seem far off in the desert but they are only 10-15 miles from Cairo.

There are various kinds of transport available for you to get to the pyramids of Giza from Cairo; just be sure to pick the entrance you wish to use to enter the complex- the Sphinx entrance or the Great Pyramid gate near the Marriott Mena House Hotel.

• Cairo Transport Authority Bus
• Local taxi drivers
• Uber
• Metro
• You can hire a private driver for ease of access. With private drivers, you don’t have to worry about taking another taxi; they can wait for you there and take you back once you’re finished.

6. What Can You Do Besides Entering the Pyramids of Giza?

In the complex, you’ll find other activities to take part in besides touring the pyramids.

6.1. Panoramic Point

There is a Panoramic Point that offers the best views of the Pyramids of Giza.

Six out of nine Pyramids of Giza are visible from this point, and you can take beautiful photographs from here.

6.2. Solar Boat Museum

The Solar Boat Museum houses the famous Khufu ship. The ship, also known as a solar boat, is another evidence of the ancient Egyptians’ advanced technology.

The ship was built for Khufu to carry the Pharaoh with Ra, the Sun God, across the Heavens.

6.3. Lights and Sound Show

The Lights and Sound Show held near the Sphinx offers a glimpse into the history of the Ancient Egyptians and the Pyramids and looks like something out of a James Bond movie.

It’s usually held in the evenings, but you can find out about the times beforehand.

6.4. Selfie with The Sphinx

We’ve all wondered, “Can you also go inside the pyramids and the sphinx?”

While you can enter the pyramids, you cannot enter the sphinx because it is a statue. If you want to get a picture or selfie with Sphinx with the pyramids in the background, the viewing platform is the perfect place.

6.5. Camel Ride or Horse Ride

You cannot ride a camel or a horse every day. You can still get an opportunity for a horse ride, but a camel ride? It is not easily found outside a desert country.

So, take full advantage of the opportunity and take a horse or a camel ride, which will be fun and save you a lot of walking in the heat.

But if you think you can go inside the pyramids on a camel, then be ready to be disappointed.

Since the entrances are narrow and short, even for humans, you cannot enter on animals.

7. Can You Get Food in The Giza Complex?

Food and water are vital when roaming about in the desert in the heat.

Luckily, there are restaurants available near the pyramids.

7.1. 9 Pyramids Lounge

9 Pyramids Lounge is 10-15 minutes from the Pyramid Complex and is the nearest restaurant to the pyramids.

7.2. Marriott Mena House Hotel

It’s only a 5-minute distance from the complex. The hotel has a restaurant that offers local and international food and relief from the heat by providing air conditioning.

7.3. Pizza Hut and KFC

Outside the main ticket gates is a Pizza Hut and KFC for kids who are picky about their food.

8. Where to Stay?

The Pyramids of Giza border Cairo, so most tourists prefer to live there.

You can pre-book your rooms online, so you don’t have to get into the hassle of finding one when you reach there, which can be hellish, especially in the tourist season.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article answers your questions centering around “Can you go inside the pyramids of Giza?”

Now that you have the necessary information to plan your trip to visit the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, you won’t have to worry about intricate details like the timings for visitation, restaurants, or learning about how you can go inside the Pyramids of Giza, and see the interiors of the pyramids, and other activities.

And you’ll indeed have a fantastic experience while visiting the pyramids as you plan ahead, and just decide to enjoy yourself when there.

Last Updated on November 17, 2023 by Harpreet1989