My Experience Going Inside the Pyramids of Egypt

Ever since I was a kid, the thought of walking inside the Great Pyramid of Giza felt like stepping into a time machine— an ancient, mysterious world filled with secrets and awe. Growing up fascinated by Egyptian history, I’d spend hours poring over books and documentaries, imagining what it would be like to explore inside the pyramid’s King’s Chamber, one of the most incredible landmarks in Egypt.

That dream became a reality when I finally set foot in Egypt. In this post, I’ll share what it’s really like to go inside the Great Pyramid of Egypt and reveal exactly what I found, with practical tips, firsthand insights, and everything you need to know to plan this unforgettable experience for yourself.

Overview & What to Know Before Going Inside the Great Pyramid

• Location: The Great Pyramid is located at the Giza Plateau, approximately 20 km (12 miles) from Cairo's city center.
• Tickets: Entry to the Great Pyramid requires a separate ticket in addition to the Giza Plateau entrance fee (included if you book a tour) also payable at the entrance via the new self-service machines (bank cards).
  • General Entry: EGP 700 (USD $14.5)
  • Entry to the Great Pyramid: EGP 1500 ($USD 30)
• Opening Hours: The site is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
• Guide Access: Guides cannot accompany you inside the pyramid, but will explain what to look for and wait for you outside the entrance while you explore.
• Interior Access: Be prepared for a steep, narrow passage leading to the King’s Chamber. Comfort in tight spaces are important.
• What to Wear: Thin, cool, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are essential. Prepare to get very hot inside the pyramid.
• Photography: Cameras are not allowed inside the pyramid there are guards even checking for phone camera use. However, you can generally get some phone snaps in easily once inside.
• Atmosphere: The inside of the pyramid is dimly lit, with a mix of modern wooden planks and original stone pathways.

My Experience Going Inside the Great Pyramid

Walking up to the Great Pyramid of Giza for the first time felt surreal. As someone who has always been fascinated by Egyptology, standing before this ancient wonder—something I’d only ever seen in books and documentaries—was a moment I’ll never forget. But nothing could prepare me for what lay inside.

Entering the Pyramid

The entrance to the Great Pyramid isn’t as grand as you might imagine. It’s a small, square opening about halfway up the northern face of the pyramid, known as the “Robbers’ Tunnel,” which was created in the 9th century by Caliph al-Ma'mun.

It was a scorching April day, and a line of eager travelers waited in the blistering sun toward the pyramid's entrance. After a brief and somewhat indifferent pocket check by a guard for cameras, I bent down to step into the low, narrow passageway.

The first part of the journey took me through the Descending Passage, a sloping tunnel designed with remarkable precision. The passage, measuring just over 1 meter (about 3.5 feet) in both height and width, forced me to crouch as I carefully made my way down its steep incline. The walls, made of finely cut limestone, were astonishingly smooth and cool to the touch.

The ground beneath me was composed of tightly joined stone slabs, worn smooth by centuries of visitors but still firm and unyielding. Each join between the blocks was almost seamless, a little mind-blowing knowing this was constructed at least 4,500 years ago. The passage's dim lighting, a mix of faint natural light near the entrance, and artificial bulbs deeper in, accentuated the smooth texture of the walls.

Inside the Grand Gallery

Emerging from the cramped Ascending Passage into the Grand Gallery was like stepping into an entirely different world. This magnificent corridor, almost 50 meters long and over 8 meters high, is an architectural triumph. The sheer scale of the gallery was awe-inspiring, especially when you consider that it was built without modern machinery. Each of the limestone blocks that line the walls and floor weighs an average of 1.5 to 2 tons, with some larger blocks in the pyramid reaching up to 15 tons.

Also after exploring some of ther newer pyramids and monuments I couldn't help but notice the absolute precision of these older constructions. I noticed the joints between the massive limestone blocks were so perfectly straight and tight that it would be impossible to slide a blade between them, with no use of mortar or joining compound.

Walking Inside the Antechamber and the King’s Chamber

At the end of the Grand Gallery lies the Antechamber, a small but intriguing space that acts as a transitional zone into the King’s Chamber. This room contains grooves in its walls, thought to have once housed granite portcullis blocks. These blocks would have been lowered to seal off the burial chamber, a final line of defense against intruders.

Stepping into the King’s Chamber itself was nothing short of a bucket list moment for me. The chamber, constructed entirely of black granite featured smooth polished walls rising to meet a flat ceiling composed of monolithic blocks, some weighing over 50 tons. Again, the stones fit together so seamlessly that the chamber has withstood millennia of pressure from the pyramid above with no cracks or grooves.

Marks of Advanced Tools on the Sarcophagus

At the center of the room lies the broken yet imposing granite sarcophagus, which contemporary Egyptologists believe to have once held the body of Pharaoh Khufu.

It sits slightly off-center in the chamber, its lid missing and its surface showing signs of ancient tampering—or perhaps something even more intriguing. Some researchers and enthusiasts have pointed out evidence of precision cutting on the sarcophagus, with marks that suggest the use of advanced tools.

Unlike the crude chisels typical of the Old Kingdom era, these markings look to me to have been created by high-speed, rotary-cutting instruments. Could the ancient Egyptians have had access to advanced technology or techniques lost to history?

What I Noticed About the Chamber’s “Air Shafts”

Another intriguing feature of the King’s Chamber is the pair of small rectangular holes in its walls, commonly referred to as "air shafts." The ministry have installed crude fans at these openings to improve air circulation for visitors, but their original purpose remains a subject of debate. These shafts don’t extend directly to the exterior; instead, they twist and turn through the pyramid, making their function as ventilation ducts questionable.

Some alternative theories suggest these shafts were not vents at all, but had ceremonial or astronomical significance. Alignments with specific stars, such as Sirius or Orion’s Belt, have been proposed, implying the shafts were designed to guide the pharaoh’s soul to the heavens. Others believe the shafts could have been part of a complex system related to the pyramid’s construction or internal stability.

As I stood in the chamber, feeling the inefficient, hot, and humid air flowing from the fans, I couldn’t help but think that these were in no way designed to be ventilation shafts. To me it felt at odds with the pyramid's otherwise flawless design, especially considering the great lengths the Ancient Egyptians went to construct these shafts.

Exiting the Great Pyramid

Exiting the pyramid took about 10 to 15 minutes, moving carefully down the steep Descending Passage. The slope was sharp, and I had to watch my footing as I passed other travelers making their way up. The narrow space made it a bit cramped, especially when crossing paths with others.

Once outside, the bright sunlight was blinding at first, and the heat of the day was intense—but still more bearable than the thick, stifling air inside the pyramid.

Can You Go Inside the Other Pyramid Chambers?

While you can explore the King’s Chamber and its surrounding passages inside the Great Pyramid, many areas remain off-limits to visitors. For example, the Queen’s Chamber and the subterranean chamber deep below the pyramid are inaccessible, as are the mysterious “relieving chambers” above the King’s Chamber. These areas are either sealed off for conservation or not deemed safe for public entry.

If you’re looking to explore more pyramid interiors, the good news is that Egypt offers access to several other fascinating pyramids, each with unique chambers and layouts to discover. Here are some options as detailed to me from my guide:

• Pyramid of Khafre (Second Pyramid): Located next to the Great Pyramid, this pyramid’s burial chamber is accessible. Though less elaborate than Khufu’s, it provides a quieter and more intimate experience.
• Pyramid of Menkaure (Third Pyramid): The smallest of the Giza pyramids, Menkaure’s interior is simpler, with a smaller burial chamber that offers a different perspective on pyramid construction.
• The Bent Pyramid: Found at Dahshur, this unique pyramid with its angled design allows visitors to explore its interior chambers. It’s less crowded and offers a look at early pyramid engineering.
• The Red Pyramid: Also at Dahshur, this pyramid’s spacious burial chamber is a highlight. Its steep entrance passage is a challenge, but the experience is rewarding and more relaxed than at Giza.

Review: Is It Worth Going Inside the Great Pyramid?

Absolutely—it’s one of the most unforgettable travel experiences I’ve ever had. Standing inside the Great Pyramid for me was about ticking off a bucket list item but it ended up being so much more than that.

That said, it’s important to set your expectations. The experience is more physically demanding than I expected with steep, narrow passages and a hot, humid interior. It’s not for the claustrophobic.

You also won't find elaborate carvings or hieroglyphs inside like in other Egyptian 'tombs' but to me that adds to the mystery and intrigue of this (minimum) 4,500-year-old masterpiece.

For me, the highlight was the King’s Chamber. Standing in the very heart of the pyramid, standing beneath perfectly cut 50 ton granite blocks in absolute awe.

Is it worth the extra cost and effort? Without a doubt. While the exterior of the Great Pyramid is awe-inspiring in its own right, going inside the pyramid chambers offers a completely different perspective and a chance to step into history and marvel at what humanity was capable of so long ago.

My advice: If you’re visiting Egypt, going inside the Great Pyramid is a moment you won’t want to miss.

Where to Stay Near the Pyramids

The best areas to stay close by to the Great Pyramid is on the Giza Plataeu. However, you can also stay at one of the many amazing (and affordable) hotels in Cairo. Below are my favorites.

Planning a trip to Egypt? Explore my travel guides below for more inspiration and ideas for your trip.