Is it worth going inside the Great Pyramid of Giza? Short answer, yes! But only if you know what to expect. The interior is hot, narrow, physically demanding, largely undecorated, and kind of spooky in that 4,500 year old tomb sort of way. Furthermore, it is definitely not for those who are claustrophobic! Yet standing inside the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World is the stuff of dreams for historians and curious tourists alike.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Affordability: 5/10
Accessibility: 2/10 (Not feasible for disabled people or wheelchair users!)
Difficulty: 9/10
Instagrammable: 5/10
Sensationality: 10/10
An Experience of a Lifetime
Standing before the Great Pyramid of Giza — also known as Khufu’s Pyramid or the Pyramid of Cheops — is humbling enough. It looms, it dominates, and it quietly reminds you that it has the miraculous ability to transcend history and time.
But to fully experience this ancient wonder, you have to go inside it. And that means trekking through narrow, sloping stone passageways all the way to Khufu’s Burial Chamber and back. It is an experience that is equal parts astonishing, exhausting, and absolutely unforgettable.
Important Information - Ticket Prices, Clothing, Pyramid Rules, and More
Entrance Fee & Practical Information
Let’s start with the logistics, because, whether you like it or not, once you’re inside the pyramid, comfort and convenience cease to exist.
- Entrance Fee as of December 2025 was E£1500 (or just over $30 USD). Students pay half price with a valid International Student ID (click here for details).
- Time Required: Approximately 25—30 minutes from entrance to exit, moving continuously.
- Movement Involved: Walking, stooping, crouching, climbing, and some awkward shuffling that vaguely resembles crawling.
This is not a guided museum stroll. It’s a physically active experience inside a 4,500-year-old stone structure that was not designed with tourists (or your backpain) in mind.
What to Wear (And What Not to Regret Wearing)
What you wear can make or break this experience, so here is my recommended clothing essentials:
- A shoulder or wrist strap attached to your mobile. You do not want your phone to become a permanent resident of the Great Pyramid! Plus, you will want to have the use of both of your hands. Click here for the mobile neck strap that I used while trekking through the Great Pyramid.
- Shoes: Wear sturdy, supportive footwear. Fashion is irrelevant here.
- Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential due to heat and humidity.
- Head Protection: If you’re tall – and especially if you’re bald — wear a baseball cap or beanie. You will hit or scrape your head on the low ceilings. I’m 5’7” and still managed to do it.
Photography Rules Inside the Great Pyramid
Before you get your camera dreams crushed at the entrance:
- Only mobile phones are allowed for photography.
- Flash photography and video recording are strictly prohibited.
That said, photos taken inside the pyramid are incredibly powerful. They are raw, dimly lit, and oh so dramatic. (If you’re searching for the captions of the following photos, just click on each individual photo and the caption will appear.)
What It's Actually Like Inside the Pyramid
The deeper you go, the more intense the experience becomes:
- The air grows thicker and warmer as you move inward.
- Passageways narrow and ceilings drop, forcing sustained crouching.
- Your legs, knees, and lower back will absolutely remind you of your age.
Then, with one final crouched shuffle, you reach Khufu’s Burial Chamber!
The heat and humidity will hit immediately and unapologetically. Staying inside for more than a couple of minutes feels physically impossible. Imagine hot yoga on steroids, minus the ability to step outside for a quick breather.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Go Inside
This experience is extraordinary, but it is not for everyone.
You should seriously reconsider if you:
- Have chronic back, knee, hip, or neck issues.
- Are significantly tall (especially over 5’10” / 178 cm).
- Have claustrophobia, even in mild forms.
If you’re physically able and comfortable in confined spaces, however, the rewards are immense!
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Going Inside the Great Pyramid of Giza?
Yes, without question, it is well worth your time (and money) spent climbing through this spooky pyramid! But there are caveats.
I’ll acknowledge my bias: I’m trained in history and archaeology, so my tolerance for discomfort in exchange for historical significance is high. But even accounting for that, this experience stands out.
As long as you have a healthy back, functional knees and hips, a neck that is not out of joint, and don’t panic in confined spaces, climbing inside Khufu’s Pyramid will be the single most astonishing experience you can have on the Giza Plateau.
This is not about comfort or Instagram perfection. It’s about immersion. You are physically inside the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World, standing within stone walls that have endured for over 4,500 years. The discomfort is temporary (hopefully), but the memory will be everlasting.
Bottom line: If you can physically handle it, going inside the Great Pyramid of Giza is unequivocally worth it.
FAQ: Going Inside the Great Pyramid of Giza
Still have questions about going inside the Great Pyramid? Here are the most common ones travelers ask.
Can you climb the outside of the Great Pyramid?
Flat answer, no. Don’t even try it. People are watching you! If caught (and you will be), you will be facing hefty fines, deportation, banishment from ever returning to Egypt, or even jail time. The only section where you can legally climb the pyramid is the short strip that must be climbed to reach the entry point.
Can you go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza?
Yes. Visitors can enter the Great Pyramid by purchasing a separate ticket at the ticket booth that grants access to its interior passageways and Khufu’s Burial Chamber. As of December 2025, the entrance fee was around $30 USD.
How hard is it to climb inside the Great Pyramid?
Hard, but not impossible. Expect sustained crouching, steep inclines, low ceilings, being pressed up against other climbers if it is busy, and, at times, brutal heat and humidity. It is not technically difficult, but it is physically taxing.
Is it dangerous to go inside the Great Pyramid?
Not inherently, but it can be uncomfortable and strenuous. Those with joint, back, neck issues, or crippling claustrophobia should avoid it at all costs! There is one entrance and one exit – it will be your responsibility to extricate yourself from the premises if you were to injure yourself or have a panic attack. Those who are tall (and/or bald) should wear a baseball-like cap or beanie to protect scraping against the ceiling. I’m 5”7 and I still managed to hit my head.
How long does it take to trek through the Great Pyramid?
Most visitors spend 25–30 minutes from entrance to exit.
Can you take photos inside the Great Pyramid?
Yes, but only with a mobile phone. Flash photography and video recording are not permitted. And be sure to purchase a shoulder or wrist strap that attaches to your mobile. You do not want your phone to become a permanent resident of the Great Pyramid!
Is going inside the Great Pyramid worth it?
If you are physically and mentally able, yes. It is one of the most immersive and unforgettable historical experiences available anywhere in the world!
To read further related content, click here for my article about the Grand Egyptian Museum.
So very interesting and super helpful information. Since this is the closest I'll ever get to visiting inside Khufu's pyramid, I appreciated the photographs!