The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza, situated near Al-Jizah, are a popular site in Egypt. This archeological site is located on the west bank of the Nile River and comprises the Great Sphinx guarding the Pyramids of Khufu (Gr. Cheops), Khafre (Gr. Chephren), and Menkaure (Gr. Mycerinus) – the pyramids of all of the prominent rulers from the 4th Dynasty (circa 2550 BC). In front of the pyramid, there is a temple ruin, from where the visitors click photographs of the pyramids.

Pyramids History

The oldest pyramid of the group is called the Great Pyramid. It was named after Khufu, the Pharaoh who had perhaps commissioned the pyramid. He was the second king of the 4th Dynasty. The middle pyramid was built for Khafre. He was the fourth of the eight kings of the same dynasty. The last pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of Menkaure, was built for the fifth king of the dynasty. A satisfactory answer to how the pyramids were built still remains elusive. According to Herodotus, the Greek historian, around 100,000 men took 20 years to construct the Great Pyramid. However, archeologists in the late 20th century came close to a conclusion that it was built by only 20,000 workers. All three pyramids came under attack in ancient and medieval ages.

The Great Pyramid of Giza or Khufu Pyramid

The Great Pyramid is also called the Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), after the Pharaoh who probably had the pyramids built. At a height of 481.4 ft (147 m), the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure until the 1800s. Each side of the Great Pyramid is oriented with one of the cardinal directions of the compass (north, south, east, and west). Visitors can enter the Great Pyramid through a passage in the masonry. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is made up of around 2.3 million blocks of stone, and is estimated to weigh 5.75 million tons. Visitors can enter the Great Pyramid through a passage in the masonry.

Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren)

The Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren), the second pyramid, is situated to the southwest of the Pyramid of Khufu. Although it appears to be taller than the Great Pyramid, it is actually smaller than that of Khufu and only appears taller because it stands on a higher ground. This pyramid was built by Khufu’s son Khafre.

Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus)

The third pyramid, the Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus), is the smallest of all the three and stands some 220 ft (67m) high. It was started by Khafre’s son Menkaure. The pyramids are notable for their incredible construction, using limestone and granite, which manifests a high degree of mathematical accuracy. Many theories about how the pyramids were constructed without the assistance of modern machines have been postulated. However, the mystery of the pyramids is yet to be solved.

The Great Sphinx

In front of the Great Pyramid stands the Sphinx, a statue of a creature with the body of a lion and the head of a man. The Sphinx, which stands 20 meters (66 feet) high, and measures about 73.5 meters long, was probably carved over 4,500 years ago out of sandstone.

Mystery Surrounding Them

The mystery of the pyramids has allured many archaeologists to discover the secrets hidden within the tombs. Dr. Zahi Hawass, former Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs and an Egyptian archaeologist, has led several successful campaigns to unearth the secrets of the pyramids. Some hieroglyphics have been discovered in the pyramids in one of the recent expeditions.

There is a disputed theory known as “The Orion Correlation Theory”, proposed by Robert Bauval, author of “The Orion Mystery”, which states that the disposition of the three pyramids of Giza was inspired from three stars in the Orion’s belt.

Things to do

The Pyramids of Giza featuring the Ancient Egyptian architectural style promote tourism in Egypt. People travel from all over the world to see these wonderful monuments. You may ride a camel, or just walk around and see the pyramids. Do not miss the Pyramids of Giza sound and light show conducted at night. The guarding Sphinx is the venue for the night show conducted by the MISR Company for Sound, Light and Cinema. Book a tour to Egypt to enjoy the sight of these wonders.

Travel Tip: The sellers, hawkers, and touts are more aggressive at the pyramids. Stay in a group to safeguard yourself.

Nearby Tourist Attractions: While in Egypt, you may also plan to visit the Saqqara Pyramid Complex and Egyptian Museum located near the pyramids.

Pyramids of Giza Location

The Giza Necropolis is located around Cairo, Egypt, in a town called Giza. The pyramids are about 25 kilometers (15 miles) away from the city of Cairo, in the desert and along the Nile River. From Cairo International Airport, you can hire a cab to visit the Great Pyramids. Metro Line 2 connects Cairo to Giza, and from the Giza Station, you can take a taxi, bus or mini bus that goes to the Pyramids.The Giza Necropolis is located around Cairo, Egypt, in a town called Giza. The pyramids are about 25 kilometers (15 miles) away from the city of Cairo, in the desert and along the Nile River. From Cairo International Airport, you can hire a cab to visit the Great Pyramids. Metro Line 2 connects Cairo to Giza, and from the Giza Station, you can take a taxi, bus or mini bus that goes to the Pyramids.

Pyramids of Giza Map

Location map of Pyramid of Giza

Q1.)What are the coordinates of the Pyramids of Giza?

The latitudinal and longitudinal ranges of the Pyramids are 29.9792° N, 31.1344° E.

Q2.)How far are the Pyramids of Giza from Cairo?

There are three suggested routes to reach the Pyramids:

The Nile Corniche and Ring Road route: Distance of around 22.4 kilometers; estimated travel time: approximately 28 minutes.

Q3.)How far are the Pyramids of Giza from Sharm el-Sheikh?

The pyramids are at a distance of around 526.4 kilometers from Sharm el-Sheikh. It takes approximately 6 hours to reach the pyramids via road.

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Hotels near Pyramids of Giza

Pyramids Inn Motel and Pyramids View Bed and Breakfast are some of the pocket-friendly accommodations that visitors can opt for. Mid-range hotels near the pyramids include Barcelo Cairo Pyramids, Mayorca Hotel, and Kanzy Hotel. To spend their days in Egypt in luxury, the tourists prefer Horizon Pyramids Hotel, Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa, and Grand Pyramids Hotel.

Pyramids of Giza Facts

• Read More: Pyramids of Giza Facts
• pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BC, is the oldest and largest.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit the Egypt pyramids are during winter or spring, to avoid the intense heat of the desert in summer.

Pyramids of Giza Opening Hours

Open Daily

• Ramadan 1 to April 30: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Note: The pyramid of Khufu is closed from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

 Pyramids of Giza Entrance Fee

General Admission Tickets include entry to the Valley Temple of Khafre, Pyramid of Hetepheres (G1a), Pyramid of Meretites (G1b), Pyramid of Henut-sen (G1c), Tomb of Idu, Tomb of Qar, Tomb of Seshemnefer, Tomb of Sennedjem-Ib, Tomb of Pa-sen, Tomb of Ka-em-ankh and Tomb of Nen-sedjer-ka.

Charges:

• Foreign: 50 LE (Students: 25 LE)

Separate tickets are available for entry to the pyramid of Khafre, the pyramid of Khufu, and the Sound and Light Show.

Charges:

• Foreign: 100 LE (Students: 50 LE)

Only 150 tickets are sold during morning and 150 after 1:00 pm for entry into the Pyramid of Khufu.

• Foreign: 25 LE (Students: 15 LE)

Update:  The Pyramid of Khafre is currently closed for the routine restoration work.

• Pyramid of Menkaure: Foreign: 40 LE (Students: 20 LE)

Update: Pyramid of Menkaure was reopened to the public after two-year renovation done by over 20 Egyptian and European conservators and professional archeologists.

Pyramid of Menkaure is currently closed.

Information about Pyramids of Giza

Q1.)What is inside the Pyramids of Giza?

There is a King’s Chamber and Queen’s Chamber inside the pyramids.

Q2.)Why is the Great Pyramid of Giza 30 feet shorter than its original size?

The loss of capstone and erosion made the Great Pyramid of Giza 30 feet shorter than its original size.

Q3.)How many sides does the Great Pyramid of Giza have?

It has four sides. The pyramid is constructed on a square platform and all four sides are inclined at a specific angle to meet at a point.

Q4.)Can you climb the Pyramids of Giza?

Initially, the highly dangerous activity of climbing the pyramids was a popular tourist activity. However, the government banned it recently and climbing pyramids is now considered a serious crime.

PB.20.04.2017

Hurghada is an ideal resort destination in Egypt

Once just a lay-by for Arab fishers and now a burgeoning resort town, Hurghada is cuddled between the Sahara and the Red Sea. Plucked from limbo and pushed into limelight, it’s an aquatic wonderland for sail boarders, divers, sunbathers, and desert dwellers. With historical locales, traditional markets, renowned diving centers, and desert safaris, the town has emerged as an ideal destination for underwater adventures.

History

Until the 1920s it was just another fishing village on the Red Sea coast. It came into prominence towards the end of the century with endless opportunities for recreation.

Things to Do in Hurghada

Diving and Snorkeling – Marine life in the Red Sea, with lots of coral and colorful fish, is the biggest draw here for outdoorsmen. Scuba diving and snorkeling sites around Abu Ramada Island and Giftun Kebir are popular with travelers. Experienced divers can explore historical shipwrecks of El Mina and Rosalie Moller.

Outdoor Thrills – While Soma Bay offers the best possible conditions for kite surfing, para sailing, and water-skiing; the gentle slopes and moderate waves of Old Vic Beach and Elysees Dream Beach are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. You may be tempted to try quad-biking into the sandy terrains of the Sahara to learn exotic traditions of the Bedouin people and camel safaris across biblical plains to see distant ancient wonders.

Shopping – Dahar is the town’s largest bazaar, look for the shops that are spread inside the main town – Sekalla high street – and along the beaches. Senzo Mall, on the airport road, is about a 10 minute drive from town. Vendors tend to drive a hard bargain on products like carpets, jewelry, regional species, and leather goods.

Hurghada Grand Aquarium – This public aquarium is the region’s newest attraction. Get a close up glimpse of animals representing 1,200 species displayed in 24 different galleries. Opened in 2015, it houses notable sea creatures like stingrays, sharks, and sea turtles.

Day Trips – Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Safaga, and El Gouna are the nearby newly-developed resorts with diving spots and private golf courses. Take boat tours to offshore islands like Sheduan Island, Gifton Island, and Abu Ramada Island.

Festivals – Coptic Christmas is celebrated during the first week in January. Hurghada International Festival, a 12-day event, is held annually in first week of February. It features three sports: triathlon, mare monti run, and a half marathon.

Nearby Attractions

Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Mons Porphyrites, Marine Biology Museum, and Giftun Island National Park.

Location

Hurghada, a resort town, is located on the western coast of the Red Sea in Egypt.

Hurghada Location Map

How to Reach?

By Air – Hurghada International Airport (HRG), three miles southwest of downtown, is served by flights to and from Middle East and European countries.

By Road – Buses – operated by SuperJet bus company – take about seven hours from Cairo and about five hours from Luxor to reach Hurghada. Local transport has a mix of cabs and minivans.

Accommodations

For luxurious stays, choose from Hilton Hurghada Plaza, The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, Sonesta Pharaoh Beach Resort, and Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh. For mid-range accommodations, Sunny Days Palma De Mirette, Fort Arabesque, and Sunny Days El Palacio are good options. Furthermore, Hurghada Acorn provides self-catering accommodations to suit all budgets.

Restaurants

From traditional Egyptian Cuisine to contemporary Oriental cuisine, there are plenty of places to eat. While La Trattoria, La Casa, and Al Dente Restaurant are famous Italian eateries, Nubian Cafe & Restaurant and El Khan Restaurant serve variety of Egyptian recipes. To try exceptional seafood, try Moby Dick Restaurant, El Mina, Star Fish Restaurant, and El Halaka. Karkaday (Hibiscus Tea) is a traditionally brewed beverage that you must taste.

Best Time to Visit

With pleasant weather and warm waters, Hurghada is a year-round destination. November through March is the ideal time to indulge in water sports. In summers, Egyptians – from Cairo and Luxor – flock here to escape the heat.

Facts about Hurghada

• It is the third largest Egyptian city – after Suez and Ismailia – on the Red Sea coast.
• It is the capital of Red Sea Governorate.
• It stretches for about 22 miles (36 km) along the coastline.

Things to Remember

• Wear light clothing while visiting Egypt, and don’t forget to pack sunscreen, hat, and beachwear.
• Keep in mind, there is no shame in haggling over prices while shopping.

Image credit : Marc Ryckaert