An Insider’s Guide to The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Have heard about the very famous Pyramids of Giza, their majestic history and architecture from relevant sources? Want to know more? Read this blog and get familiar with the Pyramids before boarding a flight to Egypt.

Pyramids of Giza located on the west bank of river Nile on the outskirts of Cairo is very popular among visitors from all over the world.

Did You Know?

Out of the three pyramids, The Great Pyramid of Giza is the tallest, the oldest and the only surviving structure of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

About the magnificent Pyramids

The Pharaoh Sneferu created the pyramid that everyone recognises today. Initially, he tried to build it at least 2 times. Eventually, after his third attempt, the “true” pyramid, the “Red Pyramid” was made.

After him, The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for pharaoh Sneferu’s son Khufu (Cheops). Its base is 755.75 feet (230 meters) and its original height was 481.4 feet (147 meters). Unfortunately, erosion has made it come down to 136m.

For a fact, it took 2.3 million blocks of stone to build the entire pyramid. It remains the tallest man made structure for almost 4,000 years.

Moreover, Khufu’s had three wives and their small pyramids are lined against his pyramid. Khufu’s pyramid is surrounded by the pyramids of his relatives to help him in his afterlife.

In the middle, lies Khafre’s pyramid, the son of Khufu. Interestingly, Khafre’s complex is the Great Sphinx. Made of limestone carving it has the head of a man and body of a lion. It was the largest monolith structure in ancient times.

The southernmost pyramid is of Khafre’s son, Menkaure. It is the shortest of all the three pyramids. Herodotus, the Greek historian in his book wrote that it took 100,000 men to build the pyramid whereas according to the archaeological evidence only 20,000 men actually built it.

After few centuries, pyramids started to have written accounts on the walls of burial chamber. The second king of the sixth dynasty, Pepy II built his pyramid in Saqqara but it was much shorter. Other kings throughout the dynasty remain building the pyramids but it was never on the same scale as the Great Pyramids.

Pyramids of Giza Today

Today, despite the erosion of Pyramids, they still stand tall and are the most magnificent pyramids till now!

Moreover, many robbers have removed the bodies and their precious goods from the pyramids and have destroyed their exteriors as well. But still its charm remains and tourist visits the Pyramids of Giza in large numbers from all over the world.

FAQ?

How to Reach:  Take a 30 mins motorboat ride from Aswan through Nile River and reach the Nubian or Elephantine Island.

What to Expect: Majestic Pyramids, coffin of mummies inside the pyramids, amazing architecture.

Weather:  The weather is generally hot and dry. So, your travel clothing should be light and comfortable.

What to carry: Sun block, a hat, bring two pair of shoes one for tour walking and one for casual wear, a camera and water.

Currency:  Egyptian Pound (EGP)

“I am that person who dropped her B.Tech (really!) and chose to travel, specifically travel blogging. I’m Manmeet Kaur, a crazy, fun loving and adventurous person from Delhi. I knew I had an interest in writing since I was in school. I didn’t want to be an engineer, doctor or I would say a teacher. My plans were different. I wanted to travel which I guess no one,  specially girl had chosen to do in my family for a living. And like other human beings on this planet I have big dreams too. But my ultimate dream is to travel the world and share my experiences through writing and blogging.” 🙂