Great Pyramid of Giza – This is the inside scoop of what goes on inside the most famous pyramid in the world.
What an amazing time I have had so far at the pyramids. The night before I watched the incredible sound and light show and today I am up close and personal with these ancient giants, which have captured the imagination of the world for many centuries. Earlier I had quite an experience riding a spitting and smelling camel and now it was time to go inside the Great Pyramid Of Giza or also known as the Pyramid of Khufu.
I walked up to the ticket office which is right in front of the entrance and got my passage. “No cameras allowed”, the man told me. Why do they always do it to tourists? This is one amazing moment in life which I would like to capture on film and then “No cameras”! I almost felt like mocking him like an obnoxious teenager but then I decided to take it in my stride. After all the poor man was only doing his job.
I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I know that the chambers have been robbed and looted over the years and that no treasures are left. So I was not really expecting to see any treasures. So why exactly am I going inside? Well, there are 3 known chambers inside the pyramid: The lowest chamber, the Kings´s Chamber and the Queen´s chamber. The last two are higher up in the pyramid. This is also the only pyramid in Egypt known to have ascending and descending passages.
Stopped by a Police Officer as I entered the pyramid.
I was just about to go inside when a tourist police officer stopped me and asked to check my bag. I had to leave the batteries for my camera with him. That was a first for me!
Another adventure is about to begin. I almost felt like a female version of Indiana Jones. Not sure if he made it inside the pyramids but then again I have never been a huge Indiana Jones fan. My heart started to pound heavily as I took my first couple of steps down. Suddenly, I heard voices and saw people behind me. I started to panic because I am claustrophobic and the passage was narrow. All I could see in front of me was a deep, dark tunnel going down somewhere. I asked them to pass me and I was squashed against the wall.
Sweat was now covering my face and I couldn’t breath. I had to get out! I don´t even want my money back I just want to get out! That is exactly what I did! I shot out of that pyramid like a torpedo, gasping for air. The ticket man didn’t know what was going on and to make matters worse they laughed at me. They asked me if I wanted to go down again. By this time I was angry and disappointed with myself. I was such a baby! Can you imagine what would have happened if I got a severe panic attack in some chamber? I would be screaming so hard the Lochness monster would come out of its hiding place!
So what exactly did I miss? I found a blog of a couple who went down and this is what they wrote:
“We had purchased extra tickets to gain access into one of the Pyramids, so left our gear in the van and headed for the entrance. As we walked over to the entrance I saw one Egyptian fellow peeing on the Pyramid and another one sitting on it. At the entrance we were met by one of the tourist police who was checking people for cameras; we had left ours in the van. We proceeded down the tight shaft About 100 yards before we came to an open area were we could stand up but almost immediately there was another tight shaft that went another 100 yards up.
About halfway up the second shaft we were able to stand back up. We were greeted on the other side by an Egyptian man who was pointing out some of the different parts of the shaft. As we got to the top of the second shaft we entered into the tomb. I was expecting something great but other than the thought of building the room there was nothing all that great about it.
It was large and very hot and humid. The Egyptian man then pulled out a flash light and shone the beam on an open tomb/casket. He then said we could take pictures if we wanted. I had the camera on my phone but the room was too dark to get a descent photograph. Lisa and I looked around for a while and then started to make our way out, but not before being asked for some money. I handed the Egyptian man 2 dollars and started to make our way out. As we were climbing through the shaft we stopped at a few spots that were somewhat lit and snapped a few photos with my phone.” To read more follow the link
Maybe I did not miss that much.
I also found this interesting article on an Egyptian tourist site about entering the pyramids.
“Visitors should be aware that, on any one visit to Egypt, one will not be allowed to go inside all of the Giza Pyramids. Though they may all be easily seen, at any one time, the internal structure of one of the three major pyramids at Giza will be closed to the public for preservation. Furthermore, when it is open, the number of people that can enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu, will be limited to 150 visitors in the morning and an additional 150 in the afternoon (at this point in time).
Also, tour operators can no longer purchase the tickets for their group. Each individual tourist who wishes to enter the pyramids at Giza must go to the ticket office and purchase their own, and to be safe, they should go early. The ticket office for the Giza Pyramids opens at 8:30. Furthermore, one should also realize that climbing about inside of the pyramids can be difficult for some. Many of them are not exactly visitor friendly.”
So there you have it! I only managed to go down 7 steps! It will always be one of my biggest regrets that I didn´t push myself harder..maybe just a little bit more…who knows?
A big thank you to a fellow Blogger who let me use photos from inside the pyramid to reconstruct what I have missed.
Date travelled: March 2005
Where: Cairo, Egypt
ok thats something I can cross off my bucket list lol.. NO CAMERAS!!!!!! lol They are amazing structures but I'll stick with Italy and the coliseum ect. I can shoot plus great food and the wine helps!!! Thanks for the tour. You do live a interesting life.. If you ever come to Florida let me know would love to share a meal and storieshttp://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/
Just shadows and dust now…Nice article you wuss! LOLLoved it A
LOL I'd be right there with you running out of that Pyramid! I can't imagine how suffocating it must feel like going down those shafts and into those chambers! I'll stick with taking a tour through them via national geographic or the discovery channel!Another great post!
What an awesome experience..but I think I'll watch from afar…LOL..As always…XOXOXO
super like this one,I can bear up with anything to experience this..I did go on a camel ride in the Jaisalmer deserts of Rajasthan..but these look out of this world.
I don't get claustrophobic but looking at that picture I don't think I would of gone down there either.
I had this experience of cameras not allowed when I was at Italy but it came a bit later as I managed to capture some pics.Btw, this is an awesome experience and you are so lucky for being able to travel so much. Wish I can do the same but with my work as well as my hubby, its only once a year.
That is very interesting!
I had a panic attack just reading about that chamber…I wouldn't even have done the 7 steps…And getting atop that camel! What an interesting life you lead, Nelieta!
Nelieta,You have been all around the world. I so want to Egypt one day… It is on my list of places to go before I die.xoxoxJess
Hi Jim, I hate it when they say no cameras! I can understand in some museums but in the pyramid..really! Yes you can scratch this one of your list but a visit to Egypt is an experience!Life is much more quiet now that we opened the hostel. I wish I could travel some more in Europe. Thanks if I am in Florida I would take you up on that offer! Same if you ever find yourself in Argentina 🙂
Hi A, lol…yes I am a wuss for not going down. A big baby but I couldn´t…left with my tail between my legs!
Hi SJ, I am terrible when it comes to claustrophobia. Some nights Andrey cannot even cuddle me or squeeze me too tight. Just as well I didn´t even try going down there 😉
Hi Nava, yes the camera thing is quite annoying. They always force people to buy books and postcards. I am travelling so much now. We opened the hostel 2 years ago and this takes up all the cash. I do travel locally in Argentina and next year we are planning a trip to Russia if it is God´s will.
Thank you Jessica! I guess I will stick to the National Geographic tour as well!Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Thank you Sailor!
HI Bonnie…much better and safer!!!A big hug!!!xxxx
Hi Alpana, the camel ride was great apart from the fact that they are smelly! I thought an adventure down the pyramid would be nice but it was not meant to be 🙁
Hi Corinne, thank you! I felt like a real baby when I got out of that pyramid..but I just could´ntdo it..lol!
Hi Jess, oh no there are so many places I still want to see before I die! Greece for starters, Morocco, Prague etc!You will enjoy Egypt that is a fact 🙂
I totally understand you, Nelieta, I'd get claustrophobic in there too. But what struck me most was the part where the blogger you quoted said an Egyptian man was peeing on the pyramid! That is utter disrespect to a world heritage site and to the legacy of all our civilizations!
AJ, thank you I am glad I am not alone on this one. Yes you know Egypt is not the cleanest country. It was smelly in some places and I can honestly believe this traveller. Sad isn´t it?
Wow, I've always wanted to see the Pyramid of Giza…I can understand why you didn't go any further, but it would be hard to pass that up. LOL
wow..the dark side of Pyramid tours..Always been amazed by the pyramids, never knew about the reality of the tours..thanks for sharing..
Wow ..It might be a great experience for u!! A great wonder which is standing still is great to watch.Superb pic n awesome work ..I m waiting for my chance to visit this beauty !!
HI Nicole, maybe next time I will go down but I am saying that with a not so convincing smile 🙂
HI Alfandi, the pyramids are amazing and they will not disappoint. But yes there is definitely a darker side to these tours. If you can use a guide. They are cheap and take you everywhere. I have done that in Luxor.
HI Sheril, I am looking forward to read all about it! Egypt was a great experience and I came back a changed person 🙂
HI Sheril, I am looking forward to read all about it! Egypt was a great experience and I came back a changed person 🙂
AJ, thank you I am glad I am not alone on this one. Yes you know Egypt is not the cleanest country. It was smelly in some places and I can honestly believe this traveller. Sad isn´t it?
Hi Jess, oh no there are so many places I still want to see before I die! Greece for starters, Morocco, Prague etc!You will enjoy Egypt that is a fact 🙂
Hi Alpana, the camel ride was great apart from the fact that they are smelly! I thought an adventure down the pyramid would be nice but it was not meant to be 🙁
HI Bonnie…much better and safer!!!A big hug!!!xxxx
Thank you Jessica! I guess I will stick to the National Geographic tour as well!Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Hi Nava, yes the camera thing is quite annoying. They always force people to buy books and postcards. I am travelling so much now. We opened the hostel 2 years ago and this takes up all the cash. I do travel locally in Argentina and next year we are planning a trip to Russia if it is God´s will.
Hi SJ, I am terrible when it comes to claustrophobia. Some nights Andrey cannot even cuddle me or squeeze me too tight. Just as well I didn´t even try going down there 😉
Hi A, lol…yes I am a wuss for not going down. A big baby but I couldn´t…left with my tail between my legs!
Hi Jim, I hate it when they say no cameras! I can understand in some museums but in the pyramid..really! Yes you can scratch this one of your list but a visit to Egypt is an experience!Life is much more quiet now that we opened the hostel. I wish I could travel some more in Europe. Thanks if I am in Florida I would take you up on that offer! Same if you ever find yourself in Argentina 🙂
Oh dear, I'm also claustrophobic. The same thing happened to me when I went to the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam. And wow, if I can't take photos, what's the point of going in? Great post, Nelieta.
Thank you Reiza! It is not easy to crawl into places if you are claustrophobic! Some days I wish I did go inside. I managed to get into the tomb of Tutankhamen. This one was much bigger but stripped bare. The walls are painted and preserved beautifully.