Pyramid of Khafre
The second-tallest pyramid of Giza, Khafre's tomb boasts a regal presence with its intact casing stones and iconic link to the Great Sphinx.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Avoid crowds & heat
Pyramid of Khafre
Best Time
Avoid crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The second-tallest pyramid of Giza, Khafre's tomb boasts a regal presence with its intact casing stones and iconic link to the Great Sphinx.
"Appears taller than the Great Pyramid, giving it a commanding presence on the plateau."
🎯 Casing Stones are Key
Look for the original limestone casing at the top; it's what makes Khafre's pyramid unique!
🎟️ Separate Ticket for Entry
Going inside requires a special ticket, separate from general Giza entry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Casing Stones
Apex of the pyramid
Marvel at the remnants of smooth, polished limestone casing still clinging to the apex, a rare sight among the Giza pyramids.
Commanding Presence
Giza Plateau
Appearing taller than the Great Pyramid due to its elevated position, Khafre's pyramid offers a majestic and regal view.
Connection to the Sphinx
Adjacent to the Great Sphinx
This pyramid is intrinsically linked to the iconic Great Sphinx, creating a powerful and mysterious ancient Egyptian tableau.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Inside Access & Casing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Casing Stones are Key
Look for the original limestone casing at the top; it's what makes Khafre's pyramid unique!
🎟️ Separate Ticket for Entry
Going inside requires a special ticket, separate from general Giza entry.
🚶♂️ Walk the Base
Circumnavigate the massive base to truly appreciate the scale and ancient engineering.
🤝 Be Prepared for Vendors
Guides and vendors can be persistent; have a polite but firm approach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Casing Stones are Key
Look for the original limestone casing at the top; it's what makes Khafre's pyramid unique!
🎟️ Separate Ticket for Entry
Going inside requires a special ticket, separate from general Giza entry.
🚶♂️ Walk the Base
Circumnavigate the massive base to truly appreciate the scale and ancient engineering.
🤝 Be Prepared for Vendors
Guides and vendors can be persistent; have a polite but firm approach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Pyramid of Khafre is lauded for its majestic presence, appearing taller than the Great Pyramid due to its elevated position and distinctive intact casing stones. Its connection to the Great Sphinx adds to its allure, offering a profound historical and architectural experience. While the interior is a narrow descent, the external grandeur and the glimpse into ancient engineering are universally praised.
"The Pyramid with a Regal Presence! The Pyramid of Khafre is the middle of Giza’s three great pyramids, yet it often steals the show thanks to its perfect proportions and the remnants of its original smooth limestone casing at the top. Standing on slightly higher ground, it appears taller than the Great Pyramid, giving it a commanding presence on the plateau.
Built for Pharaoh Khafre, it’s also directly connected to the iconic Great Sphinx, adding even more mystery and grandeur to the site. Walking around its massive base, you can’t help but marvel at the precision and power of ancient Egyptian engineering."
A.
"Visiting the Pyramids of Giza was like stepping into a different world. I had the chance to explore inside and even climb part of the structure in the allowed areas—it’s hard to describe the feeling of being so close to something built over 4,000 years ago. The size of the stones and the precision in their placement is just mind-blowing.
What made the visit even more fascinating was learning about how the pyramids were built. From the tools they used—simple yet brilliant—to the techniques for moving massive blocks, it gave me a deep respect for ancient Egyptian engineering. I also got to see exhibits explaining the mummification process, which was both eerie and incredible. The amount of care and ritual that went into preserving the dead was amazing and shows just how advanced their culture really was.
Overall, this experience left me speechless. If you're even slightly interested in history, architecture, or just love seeing incredible things, the Pyramids of Giza should be at the top of your list."
Ajay Gupta
"The Pyramid of Khafre is an awe-inspiring sight and a must-visit for anyone exploring the Giza Plateau. While slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid of Khufu, it appears taller due to its elevated position and the remnants of its original smooth casing at the top, which adds to its majestic look. The structure is remarkably well-preserved, and standing before it truly makes you appreciate the architectural brilliance of ancient Egypt.
Unlike Khufu’s pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre has a more straightforward interior, but venturing inside is still a fascinating experience, though not for the claustrophobic. The pathway is narrow and steep, leading to a simple burial chamber. However, the true magic is outside, where the pyramid stands alongside the Great Sphinx, creating an unforgettable scene.
Visiting early in the morning is ideal to avoid the crowds and the intense heat. Guides and camel ride vendors can be persistent, so it’s best to be prepared for that. Overall, the Pyramid of Khafre is an essential part of any visit to Giza, offering a glimpse into Egypt’s glorious past."
Ihar Beliauski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pyramid of Khafre is located on the Giza Plateau, easily accessible from Cairo. You can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service directly to the Giza Pyramids complex. Many guided tours also include transportation.
Yes, the Pyramid of Khafre is one of the three main pyramids on the Giza Plateau, situated between the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
The approximate coordinates for the Pyramid of Khafre are 29.9755° N, 31.1377° E.
Yes, the Giza Plateau is walkable, allowing you to explore the Pyramid of Khafre and its neighbors. Comfortable shoes are a must!
While direct public transport to the plateau can be complex, many visitors opt for taxis or organized tours from Cairo for ease of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, entering the Pyramid of Khafre requires a separate ticket in addition to the general Giza Pyramids entrance fee.
The ticket price to enter the Pyramid of Khafre can vary, but it's approximately 440 Egyptian Pounds (around $18 USD) as of recent information.
The Giza Pyramids complex, including access to the Pyramid of Khafre, typically opens around 8 AM and closes at sunset. It's best to check official sources for the most current hours.
Climbing on the pyramids, including Khafre's, is strictly prohibited to preserve these ancient structures.
Discounts may be available for students or Egyptian nationals. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter or check official Egyptian tourism websites.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Pyramid of Khafre is unique because it still retains a significant portion of its original smooth white limestone casing at its apex, making it visually distinct.
The interior features a narrow, steep passageway leading to a simple burial chamber. It's not for the claustrophobic.
While slightly shorter in actual height, the Pyramid of Khafre appears taller due to its location on higher ground.
The Pyramid of Khafre is directly associated with the Great Sphinx, with the Sphinx Temple located in front of Khafre's mortuary temple.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing suitable for the desert climate, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic viewpoint offering views of all three pyramids and the Sphinx is excellent. Also, consider the area around the Sphinx for unique angles.
Photography inside the pyramid is often restricted or requires a separate permit. Check on-site regulations before entering.
Drone usage is generally prohibited within the Giza Pyramids complex for security and preservation reasons.
Early morning or late afternoon (sunset) offers beautiful lighting and softer shadows, enhancing the pyramid's features.
While tripods might be restricted in crowded areas, standard camera and phone photography is usually permitted outside.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the stories of pharaohs and ancient Egypt to keep them engaged. The proximity to the Great Sphinx also adds an element of wonder. Consider a guided tour that can tailor information to younger audiences, and be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
While entering Khafre's pyramid requires an extra fee, decide if it's a priority for your budget. Many find the external views and the overall complex experience to be highly rewarding even without going inside. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid inflated prices within the site.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting that highlights the pyramid's form and the surrounding landscape. The panoramic views from designated spots, including those near the Sphinx, are essential for capturing the scale of the complex. Experiment with different angles, perhaps incorporating the Sphinx or other pyramids into your shots. While interior photography is often restricted, the exterior vistas provide ample material. Be mindful of vendors and other visitors to compose your shots effectively.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Casing Stones: A Glimpse of Original Glory
This intact casing not only makes the Pyramid of Khafre visually distinct but also contributes to its perceived height. Because it sits on slightly higher ground and retains its smooth outer layer, it often appears more imposing than the Great Pyramid, even though it is technically the second-tallest. This unique characteristic is a major draw for visitors seeking to understand the original grandeur of these ancient monuments.
While the casing stones at the apex are the most famous, remnants can also be found at the base of some pyramids. However, it's the top section of Khafre's pyramid that truly captures the imagination, serving as a testament to the incredible craftsmanship and aesthetic vision of its builders.
Inside Khafre's Pyramid: A Narrow Descent
The journey inside involves navigating a confined space that requires careful footing. The passage leads to a relatively simple burial chamber, stark in its construction compared to the external magnificence of the pyramid. This interior experience is less about opulent decoration and more about the raw, ancient structure itself and the engineering prowess required to build it.
Travelers often describe the descent as an intense but rewarding experience, offering a tangible connection to the past. It’s a chance to stand within the massive stone structure and contemplate the pharaoh it was built to house, providing a different kind of awe than simply viewing it from the outside.
The Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Sphinx
This proximity creates a powerful and unforgettable visual tableau. Standing before the Sphinx and looking up at Khafre's pyramid, visitors are immersed in a scene that has captivated imaginations for millennia. The sheer scale and mystery of both structures, standing side-by-side on the Giza Plateau, offer a profound sense of history and wonder.
Many visitors find that the combined experience of seeing the Pyramid of Khafre alongside the Great Sphinx is a highlight of their trip. It’s a testament to the ancient Egyptians' ability to create monumental works that not only served as tombs but also as powerful symbols of royal authority and divine connection.
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