Pyramid of Menkaure
Smallest of the Great Pyramids, Menkaure's tomb features unique rose granite casing and a less crowded interior.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds and heat
Pyramid of Menkaure
Best Time
Avoid crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Smallest of the Great Pyramids, Menkaure's tomb features unique rose granite casing and a less crowded interior.
"It is the smallest of the main pyramids, yet impressive in its entirety, however its underground tomb is worth exploring."
Skip the Big Pyramids?
If claustrophobic, skip the Great Pyramid; Menkaure offers a better inside experience. :arrow_down:
Budget-Friendly Entry
Tickets inside Menkaure are cheapest of the three main Giza pyramids. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Missing Casing Stones
Northern Face
Observe the striking gap on the northern face, a testament to historical attempts to dismantle the pyramid.
Rose Granite Casing
Lower Section
Admire the distinctive rose-granite casing stones at the base, a rare feature brought from Aswan.
Intimate Burial Chamber
Underground
Explore the less crowded and more intimate burial chamber, often featuring an empty sarcophagus.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Inside the Pyramid: Worth the Squeeze?
Best Time to Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Skip the Big Pyramids?
If claustrophobic, skip the Great Pyramid; Menkaure offers a better inside experience. :arrow_down:
Budget-Friendly Entry
Tickets inside Menkaure are cheapest of the three main Giza pyramids. :moneybag:
Prepare for the Climb
Inside is steep, narrow, and can be hot/humid. Walkway is for one-way traffic. :athletic_shoe:
Historical Gap Mystery
Notice the missing section on the north face; an attempted dismantling in 1196. :mag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Skip the Big Pyramids?
If claustrophobic, skip the Great Pyramid; Menkaure offers a better inside experience. :arrow_down:
Budget-Friendly Entry
Tickets inside Menkaure are cheapest of the three main Giza pyramids. :moneybag:
Prepare for the Climb
Inside is steep, narrow, and can be hot/humid. Walkway is for one-way traffic. :athletic_shoe:
Historical Gap Mystery
Notice the missing section on the north face; an attempted dismantling in 1196. :mag:
Granite from Afar
The lower casing stones are rose granite from Aswan, over 500 miles away! :truck:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Pyramid of Menkaure impressive for its unique granite base and less crowded interior, offering a more intimate experience than the larger pyramids. While the climb inside can be challenging and claustrophobic, many deem it worthwhile for its historical significance and affordability.
"A great experience! You obviously have to come to the pyramids if you are going to visit Egypt. We did not get a guide for the pyramids, but it could have been nice. They would also likely help you buy tickets, etc. a lovely place to be , just try to come early to avoid the crowds and midday heat."
Dylan
"🕌 The Great Pyramid of Giza & The Egyptian Museum – A Love Wrapped in Time
When I stood before the Great Pyramid of Giza,
I wasn’t just looking at a monument…
I was staring into the eyes of eternity —
عظمة الماضي (ʿAẓamat al-Māḍī) — the greatness of the past.
But deep in my heart, I whispered:
"If only she was with me..."
If her hand was in mine,
the desert wind would feel like نَسِيمُ الجَنَّة (Naseem al-Jannah) —
a breeze from paradise.
And I would say to her:
"This pyramid was built by kings… but your presence makes me feel like one."
The sunlight kissing the stones,
the echoes of old prayers in the wind —
everything around would become poetry if she were by my side.
كل شيء يصبح أجمل معها (Everything becomes more beautiful with her).
🏺 At The Egyptian Museum...
Walking beside her through the grand halls,
surrounded by the treasures of Pharaohs,
I would look into her eyes and say:
"You see that golden mask of Tutankhamun?
It may have survived 3,000 years…
but your smile lives forever in my heart."
She would smile,
and even the silence of the ancient mummies would break into whispers:
"هذا هو الحب (This is love)."
Each scroll, each statue,
would seem to tell our story — not just Egypt’s.
I wouldn’t need a guide,
because every room would become a page of our love.
💫 Final Words – من قلبي (From My Heart):
Yes, the Pyramids are wonders.
Yes, the museum holds history.
But if she were there with me…
it would all become something else —
حكاية لا تنسى (A story never forgotten).
I would look at her and say:
"Let’s become part of this timeless place…
So that 4,000 years from now,
someone will walk here and feel our love in the air." ❤️"
Mohd Saifullahshaikh
"Menkhaure Pyramid — Menkaure was Khafre’s son. This pyramid was built with granite from Aswan, giving it a different color from the other two, and it’s less than a quarter of their size. Still, standing next to it feels just as awe-inspiring! The burial chamber tunnel is much shorter, but just as smelly.-1/1/25"
詹頤
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pyramid of Menkaure is located on the Giza Plateau, southwest of the Great Pyramid. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing app, or as part of a guided tour. Many visitors combine it with visits to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
Yes, it's one of the three main pyramids and is clearly visible on the plateau. Follow signs for the Giza Pyramids complex, and you'll easily spot it.
Walking is feasible for the main pyramids, but for longer distances or to beat the heat, consider hiring a camel or horse, or using a taxi.
Yes, the approximate coordinates for the Pyramid of Menkaure are 29.9755° N, 31.1313° E.
While possible, public transport can be less direct and more time-consuming. Taxis or ride-sharing apps are generally recommended for convenience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets to enter the Pyramid of Menkaure are generally the cheapest among the three main Giza pyramids. As of early 2025, it was around 280 EGP per person.
Yes, a separate ticket is required to enter the Pyramid of Menkaure, in addition to the general Giza Plateau entrance fee.
The Giza Plateau typically opens around 8 AM and closes at sunset. It's best to check the most current hours upon arrival.
While online booking options may exist, purchasing tickets on-site is common. Having a guide can sometimes streamline the ticket-buying process.
Entry to the interior can sometimes be restricted due to maintenance or safety concerns, though it's generally accessible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, expect a narrow, steep, and potentially hot and humid environment. You'll walk on a wooden plank walkway, and it can feel claustrophobic.
For many, the experience of being inside an ancient pyramid is fascinating, even if there's not much to see. It's considered more intimate and less crowded than the Great Pyramid.
You'll primarily see the passageways and the burial chamber, which often contains an empty sarcophagus. Most artifacts have been removed.
Plan for about 30-45 minutes to explore the pyramid itself and its immediate surroundings.
Yes, licensed guides are available for hire at the Giza Plateau. They can provide historical context and assist with logistics.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the pyramid from different angles on the plateau, highlighting its unique granite base and the missing northern section. 
Photography inside the pyramid is often restricted or requires a separate photo permit. Check current regulations upon entry.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the pyramid's details and grandeur.
Focus on the distinct rose granite casing stones at the base and the unusual missing section on the north face for unique shots.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the pyramids. A zoom lens can be helpful for details. Protect your gear from sand and dust.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Discussing the 'missing piece' on the north face can spark their imagination about ancient history and construction. Consider focusing on the broader Giza Plateau experience, which includes the Sphinx and the larger pyramids, as these offer more open spaces. If you do decide to enter Menkaure's pyramid, be prepared for the tight passages and ensure your child is comfortable with enclosed spaces. The shorter tunnel compared to the Great Pyramid might make it more manageable.
💰 Budget Travelers
When visiting the Giza Plateau, consider packing your own water and snacks to save money on on-site purchases. Negotiate prices for any services like camel rides or souvenirs beforehand. While a guide can enhance the experience, exploring independently is also feasible and cost-effective, especially if you've done some research beforehand.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Construction of Menkaure's Pyramid
The upper sections were originally cased in finer limestone, but much of this has been lost to time and historical quarrying. One of the most striking features is the significant portion missing from its northern face. The commonly accepted explanation is that during the reign of Sultan Al-Adil in the late 12th century, an order was given to dismantle the pyramids. The Pyramid of Menkaure was the first target due to its smaller size, and after eight months of effort, the work was abandoned, leaving this visible scar.
Inside, the pyramid features a more straightforward, albeit steep, passageway leading to the burial chamber. This chamber contains a large granite sarcophagus, though it's often empty, as many artifacts were removed by ancient tomb robbers or relocated to museums.
Navigating the Interior: What to Expect
While the interior is not adorned with elaborate hieroglyphs or vast chambers like some other ancient sites, the sheer experience of being within the massive stone structure is profound. The feeling of the immense weight of rock above you is palpable.
It's important to be prepared for the physical aspect of the descent and ascent. Wear comfortable shoes, and if you're carrying a backpack, be mindful of the confined space. The experience is often described as 'cramped' and 'claustrophobic,' but for many, it's a unique and memorable part of their visit.
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