Pyramid of Khufu- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

The Great Pyramid of Giza (Pyramid of Khufu), built around 2600 BC during Egypt's Fourth Dynasty, is the oldest and only surviving monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Constructed as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu, this monumental structure originally stood at 146.6 meters, making it the tallest human-made structure on Earth for nearly four millennia. Located on the Giza Plateau, just outside modern-day Cairo, the pyramid anchors a vast funerary complex that includes mortuary temples, royal subsidiary pyramids, and ceremonial solar boats once believed to transport the pharaoh's soul. Built using approximately 2.3 million stone blocks and an estimated 6 million tonnes of material, the pyramid showcases advanced engineering for its time. Local limestone was used for the core, while higher-quality white limestone and granite were transported from Tura and Aswan, respectively. The internal layout includes three known chambers—two above ground and one carved into bedrock—highlighting sophisticated architectural planning. The granite-lined King's Chamber still houses a sarcophagus, thought to be Khufu's. Today, the Great Pyramid stands at about 138.5 meters due to the loss of its original limestone casing. While the precise construction methods remain debated, the structure continues to draw interest from archaeologists, engineers, and travelers alike. As part of the UNESCO-listed Memphis and its Necropolis site, the Great Pyramid offers a direct connection to ancient Egyptian civilization and its enduring legacy.