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From per person£6
AttractionCairo

Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure – Giza Plateau

Entry to the Giza Plateau complex around Khafre and Menkaure; opening hours vary seasonally, so check the official site before visiting.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure Entry Ticket is an entry ticket granting admission to the pyramid complex area on the Giza Plateau in Cairo, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Snapshot

Good to know

Time to allow
Open seasonal hours
Travel style
Self-Guided Entry
Arranged by
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, Giza Plateau
Includes
Entry to the Khafre and Menkaure pyramid complex area · PDF ticket delivered by email
Best for
Independent visitors · Ancient Egypt enthusiasts · Flexible, self-paced visits

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable for walking, with milder daytime conditions than Cairo’s summer heat. In summer, arrive early to limit time in the midday sun. Visitor flow and opening routines may change during Ramadan and major public holidays, so check the official site before visiting.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The ticket grants admission to the complex area around the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure.
  • The ticket is delivered by email as a PDF after booking confirmation.
  • Pyramid interior access and premium archaeological areas are clearly identified as excluded.
  • Opening hours and photography rules are presented as subject to change.

02Overview

A first look

Khafre originally stood about 143.5 metres and now measures approximately 136.4 metres. Menkaure originally reached roughly 65.5 metres and is today about 62 metres.

Background

The facts

The Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure are Fourth Dynasty royal monuments on the Giza Plateau, part of the Giza Necropolis in Cairo. This entry ticket grants access to the complex area around both pyramids, not to their interior chambers.

Khafre’s pyramid is the middle of the three main Giza pyramids and retains casing stones near its summit. It was built for Pharaoh Khafre, son of Khufu, around the mid-26th century BCE. Menkaure’s pyramid was built later in the Fourth Dynasty and is smaller than the other two main pyramids. Temple remains and open desert paths surround the monuments.

The Giza pyramid fields form part of Memphis and its Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage property. Separate tickets are required for pyramid interiors and any premium archaeological areas. Security screening takes place at the entrance. Opening hours vary seasonally, so check the official site before visiting; photography rules may also change. The ticket is sent by email as a PDF. Check whether a printed copy is required and print it if uncertain.

Named in this entry

Pyramids of Khafre·Menkaure's Pyramid·Giza Plateau·Giza Necropolis·Pharaoh Khafre·Pharaoh Menkaure·Khufu·Fourth Dynasty·Memphis and the Necropolis·Cairo

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This ticket suits independent visitors and adults or older children interested in Khafre and Menkaure’s monuments without a structured visit. Choose it if you are comfortable walking on uneven, sandy ground and arranging your own transport.

Maybe not, if

  • It is not ideal for visitors who need step-free access across the plateau or want transport and an accompanied visit included. Travellers sensitive to heat should avoid exposed midday hours, particularly in summer.

What lingers

  • 01Giza Plateau location: Khafre sits directly behind the Great Sphinx; Menkaure is southwest of Khafre.
  • 02Standard site entrance fee is included; pyramid interiors (Khufu, Khafre) and premium tombs are not included.
  • 03Allow 60–120 minutes on the plateau; walking involves uneven limestone, sand and short steep ramps.
  • 04Limited shade at midday on the plateau – bring sun protection and sturdy shoes for slippery stone.
  • 05We arrange timed entry and private transfers on request; this avoids late-morning coach crowds common from Nile cruises.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most site visits combine admission with transport or a guided service. This product is a standalone entry ticket; transport, guided visits and audio guides are not included.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Entry ticket to the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, delivered by email as a PDF

Not included

  • Access inside pyramid chambers, which may be available for purchase separately
  • Professional-led visits and audio guides, which can be booked separately if required
  • Transport to and from the site
  • Food and personal costs
  • Photography permit, if required by the site

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Check the official site close to your visit, as seasonal opening hours can change.

  2. 02

    Print the emailed PDF if you cannot confirm that the entrance accepts tickets displayed on a phone.

  3. 03

    Wear shoes suited to open desert paths and uneven ground around the temple remains.

  4. 04

    Ask at the entrance about current photography rules before taking pictures.

Tailor it

Make it yours

  • This is a self-timed entry ticket, not a structured visit, and transport is not included. Interior access to pyramid chambers requires a separate ticket if available
  • check current availability and admission details before travelling.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Where it fits

– This ticket fits into a Cairo stay focused on the Giza Plateau, alongside a separate visit to the Egyptian Museum or Grand Egyptian Museum. Allow time for the open plateau, where shade is limited and paths can be uneven.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Great Pyramid of Khufu17 min walk
  • Great Sphinx of Giza12 min walk
  • Valley Temple of Khafre13 min walk
  • Grand Egyptian Museum3 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    One ticket covers the Khafre and Menkaure complex area

  2. 02

    PDF admission arranged through a licensed Egyptian tour operator

  3. 03

    Flexible entry for a self-paced visit on the Giza Plateau

·In summary

Khafre’s pyramid was built around the mid-26th century BCE, while Menkaure’s was built later in Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty. This ticket covers the complex area around both monuments, but not interior chambers or separately ticketed premium archaeological areas.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01Can I go inside the Pyramid of Khafre?
    Yes; interior access to the Pyramid of Khafre is permitted but requires a separate interior ticket bought at the site. The interior passage is narrow, low and hot, with uneven stone underfoot; climbers must stoop and ascend steep, worn steps. Availability is limited and tickets can sell out on busy days, so ask us to check current availability before you travel. We do not automatically include Khufu or other interior tickets with this listing.
  2. 02Can I enter the Pyramid of Menkaure?
    The Pyramid of Menkaure's interior is generally closed to visitors; you may only view it externally from the Giza Plateau. On rare occasions the interior opens for conservation or research work; availability changes without notice. Expect to spend time photographing from the plateau and comparing scale with Khafre and Khufu. If interior access is essential, tell us and we will check the day’s status.
  3. 03How long should I allow to visit Khafre and Menkaure?
    Allow about one to two hours to visit both the Pyramid of Khafre and Pyramid of Menkaure. That timing covers walking between the monuments, exterior photography, and a pause at the viewing terraces but excludes a Khufu interior visit or museum stops. Traffic and ticket queues at the Giza Plateau can add 30–60 minutes during peak hours, so an early morning slot is usually quicker. Our guides typically advise a 90-minute window to keep itineraries punctual.
  4. 04Are tripods, drones or professional cameras allowed at the pyramids?
    Personal photography is allowed at Khafre and Menkaure; tripods, drones or professional equipment usually need permits. Drones are prohibited without explicit authorisation from Egyptian authorities and can be confiscated. Tripods and commercial filming require prior permission and sometimes an on-site fee, so bring only handheld kit unless you have permits. If you plan professional photography, tell us in advance so we can advise on permits and logistics.
  5. 05Is there shade or seating at the Pyramid of Khafre and Pyramid of Menkaure?
    There is very limited shade and formal seating around the Pyramid of Khafre and Pyramid of Menkaure. The plateau is exposed–sun and heat are significant midday–so bring sun protection, water and a hat. Surfaces are sand, compacted earth and ancient stone; expect uneven walking and short flights of steps. We recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun and the largest crowds.
  6. 06Can I buy a combined ticket for Khafre, Menkaure and the Khufu pyramid interior?
    Tickets for Khafre and Menkaure are sold separately from the Khufu pyramid interior ticket. The Khufu interior carries a distinct, premium entry and is often limited in daily numbers. We do not bundle the Khufu interior with exterior tickets because the interior is narrow and many travellers prefer to spend time on the plateau instead. If you want the Khufu interior, tell us and we will check availability and advise on timing.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Mohamed Abdel-Aziz, Senior Egyptologist·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TKT-CAI-434284

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