Going into the Great Pyramid of Giza

We’re going in March so I hope someone answers.

I am going in November - so if no one answers, I will post in November after I return!

Hi, we went to Egypt last October, but chose not to go inside any of the Pyramids since we don't like cramped, claustraphobic spaces. However, if you look under my profile, I have a photobook of Egypt and you can see the opening you go into for the pyramids. The Bent pyramid, the opening is up high about half way, so many steps to climb just to get to the opening. I think another forum poster, Marie, did go inside so maybe she will pipe in.

I looked at your pictures earlier as you posted a response to my question about whether I should book a tour or do Egypt on our own. We did ultimately book through Djeb and are going Oct 31 to Nov 15. Your pictures really got us going - so thanks for your response. Glad to see a fellow diver doing land stuff!

When I went to Egypt much earlier this year with Djed Egypt Travel (wonderful trip, by the way!) I looked at lots of photos on tripadvisor and also watched some videos on YouTube of people going inside some of the pyramids. After viewing those, my travel companions and I decided not to go into any of the pyramids; none of us had been training for such climbing and we have various leg and knee issues (hip replacements, etc.) so concluded that admiring the incredible structures from the outside was the better part of wisdom, for us. I believe that if you contact Djed before your trip, they can advise you on buying entry tickets to whichever structure/s you want to enter, can purchase the tickets for you, and will schedule enough time on your itinerary for you to go inside.

I went into the great pyramid back in the 90s and don’t remember a lot of climbing. Memory had faded a bit. It is cramped and was very hot when I went. I came out with wet hair and soaked clothes. I’m glad I did it. Hubby decided not to go inside as he has neck issues and it would have been difficult for him. He is 6 feet.

I went inside the Great Pyramid in 2004. At that time they only permitted 150 people a day to enter. It was a bit cramped and there was a bit of crawling and if I recall some climbing. Nothing strenuous but some tight spaces. Upon arriving at the top there was an open empty sarcophagus with a great view of the surrounding terrain. Have always been glad I did it.

Well - back from Egypt and yes, I did go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza. I did not do the other ones (there were two others that were open on the day we were there) because of heat and crowds. If you are not comfortable in small confines spaces or cannot crouch down to 4 feet - pass. I trained by doing at least 10 flights of stairs at one time per day and practiced walking crouched down to 4 feet going up hill and it really made a difference. My quads were not screaming (but clearly had been worked). Not much to see once you get the burial chamber but at least you can say you have been INSIDE the Great Pyramid.

Glad you had a good trip, we would love to hear more about it!

We did the Great Pyramid in 2019 at age 67. It’s definitely a must see. It wasn’t as cramped as I first thought, we’ll lit, and not too difficult to climb. My husband also went into the bent pyramid, I opted out because it was much more cramped than the Great pyramid. I can’t imagine going all of the way to Egypt and not going into the pyramid.

I went into the Great Pyramid many years ago and found it a particularly unpleasant experience. I remember both the claustrophobic feeling of being inside a narrow passage surrounded by acres of rock as well as the humid airlessness. I felt the clammy moisture was that of hundreds of years of sweating, panting tourists. The physical climb was no worse than a European church tower but it is a narrow passage with tourists trying to ascend and descend, so frustrating as I just wanted to get out. I also remember being the first to enter that day (I got to the site very early) and being screamed at by a tourist in the burial chamber who yelled that he had paid to be there alone! All in all, I don't recommend the experience unless you are determined and prepared.

Late to the party here, but I went inside the Great Pyramid in 2020, and I am totally glad that I did. I don't recall it as being especially strenuous. It got my heart rate up a bit, but it was manageable. Now, over two years later, I still pinch myself every time I see a picture or video of the Great Pyramid, knowing that I have been inside.

As for other pyramids:

• The Queens Pyramid at Giza was quick and easy but kind of boring.

• The Red Pyramid at Dashur requires a lot more climbing. It's definitely a workout. My legs felt like jelly by the time I finished. The good thing about the Red Pyramid is that it is not crowded. (I have heard that the Bent Pyramid is also a workout, but I haven't done it. I was not ready to take that on immediately after the Red Pyramid.)

• The inside of the Step Pyramid is incredible --- and the path is completely flat --- no stooping or climbing or bending. It's a must-do at Saqqara.

• The Teti Pyramid is easy, and it's fun to see Teti's name written thousands of times in hieroglyphs.

As well as I recall, all of the pyramids except the Step Pyramid smell like ammonia and bat guano.

OP has already been to Egypt. I wish people would look at posting dates!

@diveloone - I just figured that someone else might be interested somewhere down the line -- I know that I searched this site when I was planning a trip to Egypt. Anyhow. Lesson learned. I'll keep my mouth shut from now on.

@diveloone I found the information useful.

Thank you for the information; I'll have that in mind. I hope you have a fantastic time on your trip. I've been planning to go into the Great Pyramid as well. In effort to have everything ready and with less hassle, I am browsing a private local tour guide there and found this site https://gowithguide.com/egypt/cairo.  It's hassle-free and no need to stress out on planning because you got to decide where to go. Can't wait to experience Egypt!

We just did a wonderful Gate 1 Tour of Egypt.

We did visit the Great Pyramid of Giza and had the option of going inside. There was a modest extra fee. I had been to Egypt in 1985 and we weren't allowed to go inside.
Not sure if it depends on what tour you or on?

I am 75 and have arthritis in my lower back. We were advised that you have to bend over quite a bit, especially if you are tall. I am 6 ft 1 inch.
The younger people that do go into the Pyramid said that the only thing inside was a large tomb. They showed us photos. If you are fit and in good health and don't get claustrophobia, then it may be a good choice.

My wife and I are going in May (combined land tour and 7 day river cruise). Both of us would ABSOLUTELY love to go into one of the pyramids. But I fear we likely won't be able to due to the limited mobility (and chronic pain) my wife has following a number of lower back surgeries (and both knees replaced). I have a feeling it would be much too demanding physically for her. It's truly a shame. My wife will likely be heartbroken not being able to do it.

It's not a easy climb, but it's do-able. The steps are well lit. The burial chamber is dark. You have to bent down between the top of the steps and the burial chamber. There isn't much to see inside. But, if going inside the Great Pyramid is on your bucket list, you really should do it. I took the 'adventure' many years ago and never regretted it.

Thank you everyone for all your feedback. We did go inside the Great Pyramid and it was climb - thank goodness for training! We did not do the other pyramids due to the heat and crowds. It was safe but was a tight fit with everyone coming up and down the same set of stairs/ramps. I am going back with my husband in 2024 and I will probably do it again along with the Step Pyramid - I did not take any pictures and really want to do so.