Do you know that world scholars have discovered more than 100 pyramids in the deserts of Egypt? There might be a hundred more buried close to the banks of the Nile or under the dunes. Who knows?
The good thing is that the ones already above the surface are magnificent enough to baffle you with their mysterious history, unusual architecture, and of course, timeless legacy. Yes, one of the true seven wonders of the world, the enigmatic pyramids of Egypt deserve to be looked at in awe and wonder by people around the world.
Those who have already visited the great pyramids of Egypt describe them as majestic! Well, every tourist tells his or her own story of Egypt and the pyramids, and you should experience their glory by yourself. So, wait no longer and book your special SOTC Egypt tour packages today to begin your journey through time and history.
The colossal Pyramid of Khufu or the Great Pyramid of Cheops is not only the most popular but also the biggest pyramid in Egypt. It has stood at 146.5 metres since the 26th century BC when it was built for the burial of Pharaoh Khufu of the 4th dynasty.
Interestingly, it was the tallest known man-made building for more than 3,000 years and is one of the seven true wonders of the ancient world. It certainly deserves to be one!
Furthermore, the original structure was built with more than two million blocks made of granite, limestone, and casing stones, all of them polished in white. It also comprises several galleries and passages, including the King and Queen’s chamber.
Despite the toll of years and the relentless erosion that has stripped away its original grandeur, the Pyramid of Khufu remains a captivating highlight on our Egypt tour packages, drawing in countless visitors.
Location: Giza Plateau on the outskirts of modern-day Cairo
Reasons to visit: Architectural marvel, mysterious history, the Great Sphinx of Giza, etc
Entry fee: INR 800 per person
Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM
The Pyramid of Khafre
This pyramid is among the ancient Egypt pyramids, and served as the final resting place for Khafre, a Pharaoh from the 4th dynasty who governed during the 26th century, as well as his son.
Among the Giza pyramids, the Pyramid of Khafre claims the second spot in height and holds the distinction of being one of the earliest to be investigated by contemporary scholars and archaeologists. As per the experts, the Pyramid of Khafre was constructed between 2520 BC and 2494 BC and still has its original limestones shining for travellers.
The alluring feature of these Egyptian pyramids lies in their well-polished entranceways, which provide a direct passage to the main burial chamber. Additionally, visitors can explore another entrance that offers breathtaking views of ancient Egypt.
Near the towering Pyramid of Khafre, standing impressively at 136.4 meters, you’ll discover renowned attractions such as the Great Sphinx, Mortuary Temple, and Valley Temple. These captivating sites offer ample reasons to consider booking Egypt tour packages in the near future.
Location: South-west of the Great Pyramid of Giza
Reasons to visit: Stunning vistas, the Great Sphinx, Mortuary and Valley temple, historical significance, etc.
Entry fee: INR 800 per person
Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM
The final and the smallest of the three pyramids at ancient Giza is the Pyramid of Menkaure, also known as Mycerinus. This pyramid served as the burial site for the Pharaoh of the 4th dynasty, sharing the same name.
The ancient structure originally stood at 66 metres and was built with polished limestones but the base of the building is completely covered with red granite. No prizes for guessing, it is one of the most stunning pyramids of Egypt with its beauty even surpassing the other two pyramids at Giza.
At present, you can only witness the final phase of the construction, and visitors can even see a gash on it which represents an attempt to demolish the structure. Yes, it was around 1196 AD when the Sultan of Egypt sought to take it down.
However, the demolition was abandoned a few months later because the workers couldn’t remove more than two bricks a day. The ancient edifice was also damaged due to vandalism and erosion, so you will notice a part of it missing on your visit.
Furthermore, within the Pyramid of Menkaure, experts unearthed a coffin containing human bones. Dating back 2000 years, these bones provided conclusive evidence that they did not belong to the Pharaoh, deepening the mystery surrounding this ancient structure and leaving us in continued awe!
Location: Al Ahram, Giza
Reasons to visit: Architectural divinity, Egyptian history, Pyramid complex, etc.
Entry fee: INR 800 – INR 1000 per person
Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM
About 40 km south of Cairo is the Bent Pyramid, known for its unique appearance that gives the structure its name.
One of the most famous pyramids of Egypt, Bent is constructed with two different and uncommon angles. The lower portion of the pyramid is steeper than the upper section by 12 degrees.
The beauty of The Bent Pyramid distinguishes itself from other Egyptian pyramids, as its outer layer of limestone remains polished and remarkably well-preserved.
Built around 2600 BC, this pyramid was constructed during the Old Kingdom period for the burial of Pharaoh Sneferu, the father of Khufu, who was buried in the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The Bent Pyramid was opened for visitors in 2019 for the first time after 1965 and thus, is the perfect reason for you to book your Egypt tour packages with SOTC.
Location: Monshaat Dahshour, Al Badrashin, Giza
Reasons to visit: Unconventional design, the Pyramid complex, beauty of Giza, etc.
Entry fee: INR 500 per person
Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM
The Red Pyramid is a few steps away from the Bent Pyramid, so make sure to visit them both during your Egypt tour. One of the most beautiful pyramids of Egypt, the Red Pyramid or North Pyramid was built during the reign of Sneferu Pharaoh, around the 26th century.
Locals refer to this pyramid as el-heram el-watwaat, meaning the Bat Pyramid, because it wasn’t always red in color. Initially adorned with white Tura limestone, the Pyramid’s exterior hue has faded, leaving only the base adorned with remnants of this once-prominent casing.
One fun fact about the Red Pyramid is that it is the first successfully built pyramid during the reign of Sneferu. It is also the largest pyramid at Dahshour standing at 104 metres and interestingly built with only red limestone. It is also because of its reddish hue that the edifice is known as the Red Pyramid.
Location: Giza Governorate, Egypt
Reasons to visit: Dahshour’s pyramid legacy, architectural enigma, unique design, etc.
Entry fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
The Pyramid of Djoser, also known as The Step Pyramid, came into existence around the reign of Pharaoh Djoser during the 27th century BC.
There are several reasons why you must visit this spectacular pyramid, starting from the fact that it is the first known monument and the oldest known structure made from stone in the country.
Besides, it was designed by the legendary architect Imhotep and one of its key features include flat-roofed tombs, one over the other in six tiers and four sides, making it a typical Egyptian pyramid – the kind international visitors admire!
You can also clearly notice the 13 fake doors inside the complex. However, there is only one door to the southeast side of the entrance. Most of the structure is located below the ground which makes it both mysterious and interesting.
The 62 metres-long complex covers an area of about 37 acres but the main attraction is its 6 km-long tunnels giving a glimpse into the past with ancient galleries and chambers.
It is also no surprise that just like other famous pyramids, this one was also looted and eroded several times. After 14 years of restoration and preservation, the Pyramid of Djoser has finally been re-opened for the general public and visitors.
Location: Al Badrashin, Giza Governorate
Reasons to visit: Ruins of Memphis, ancient tombs, pyramid complex, etc.
Entry fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
The list of pyramids of Egypt cannot be completed without this incredible structure. The Pyramid of Meidum is believed to be the second pyramid built after the Step Pyramid or the Pyramid of Djoser.
It is also the first to have an attempted smooth or flat surface construction on its outer casings. However, the idea was abandoned after a few days of the attempt but that didn’t take away the architectural wonder that this pyramid truly is.
As per the experts, the Pyramid of Meidum was constructed around the reign of Huni, the last of the 3rd Dynasty Pharaohs, who died before the completion of the structure. However, the monument was finished on the orders of Sneferu Pharaoh during his reign.
Today, it is one of the most popular Egypt pyramids and invites visitors from around the world to soak in its ancient glory. However, one must consider entering the pyramid if they are claustrophobic since the entrance tunnel is quite narrow and may cause discomfort.
However, the tunnel soon opens to a spacious area for people to spread around and enjoy the edifice that is visible in only three layers in the present day!
Location: Beni Suef Governorate
Reasons to visit: Mortuary temple, Khan el Khalili Bazaar, Cairo Citadel, and more.
Entry fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
There are a number of reasons why the Pyramid of Sahure is included in the list of the top pyramids of Egypt. Firstly, it is located near the Temple of Sun (yes, the one you saw in The Mummy movies) which is quite an attraction amongst the tourists.
Secondly, the experts have found some unique artifacts from its ruins that can help trace the history of these world marvels. And the work is still going on!
The quality of material or blocks used in Sahure’s construction was different from those generally used in the 5th dynasty. The monolithic pink granite portcullis and columns shaped like palm groves are truly a sight to behold! The portcullis also leads to a small vestibule that may lead to a historical discovery someday!
These wonderful ancient Egypt pyramids exhibit the name of the Pharaoh Sahure, the second ruler of the 5th dynasty as it is his burial place. You can still read some of the inscriptions directing religious rituals and offerings from those times.
So, ensure that you add the Pyramid of Sahure to your SOTC Egypt tour packages list, and we promise, you will have a gala time exploring these historic monuments.
Location: Abusir, south of Giza and north of Saqqara
Reasons to visit: Mortuary Temple, monolithic pink granite columns, open courtyards, the Sun Temple, etc.
Entry fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
These pyramids of Egypt are more ruins than concrete but are still a favorite of scholars and experts. Once, the Pyramid of Unas stood at 43 meters but couldn’t sand the test of time and is now a mound of rubble.
So, why do professionals and travellers still want to capture this sight in their studies or camera? It is the first pyramid to feature ancient hymns, inscriptions, and texts on its walls, and it is a major historical and archaeological site.
Even though they were built around the 5th dynasty of the Old Kingdom, ie; around 2350 BC, it was officially opened in the 19th century for tourism. In fact, the experts also discovered the ruins of a mummy within the premises.
Additionally, the Pyramid of Unas offers a more intimate and relaxed experience in comparison to other, more crowded pyramids of Egypt. It gives you an opportunity to immerse in the history and mystery.
Location: Saqqara, Giza
Reasons to visit: Pyramid texts, hymns, and religious inscriptions, and a relaxing experience
Entry fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
A historically significant structure dating back to the 18th dynasty of the New Kingdom, the Pyramid of Ahmose is quite modest compared to the size of other grand pyramids of the Old Kingdom.
Built as a cenotaph to Pharaoh Ahmose, this ancient pyramid used mud bricks instead of stone bricks. It is because, unlike other pyramids in this list, the Pyramid of Ahmose was constructed during the New Kingdom. It brought the pivotal Egyptian era into existence, attracting the attention of both experts and tourists.
The site also offers insights into the religious and political context of Ahmose’s reign and the significance of Abydos in Egyptian mythology. It’s a site where visitors can connect with the birth of the New Kingdom and the resurgence of Egypt’s greatness.
After the 12th dynasty, Pharaohs and kings were laid to rest in underground tombs in places like the Valley of the Kings. Thus, the Pyramid of Ahmose is one of the last known pyramids of Egypt.
Location: Abydos
Reasons to visit: Use of mud bricks instead of stones, religious and political contexts, Egyptian mythology, etc.
Entry fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
The great Pyramids of Egypt offer a unique glimpse into the rich and powerful history of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. So, you must follow certain tips to get the most out of your pyramid tour.
So, here’s what you can do to make your experience better when visiting the ancient pyramids of Egypt.
As you stand in the shadows of the colossal pyramids of Egypt, you can feel connected with the history, legacy, and people of this beautiful country. So, make sure to book your exclusive Egypt trip with SOTC today and get ready to dive into the mysterious world of the timeless pyramids of Egypt. To discover more insights about Egypt, check out top 10 things to do on your Egypt tour.
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