Built approximately 4,500 years ago, the Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu) is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is also the only one to remain. This defining symbol of the world, which we still look at in wonderment, has stood the test of time. This had me wondering, when visiting, what it would be like to go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Ancient Egyptian culture has brought us an infinite legacy of magic, knowledge, mythology and history. Egypt’s pharaohs anticipated becoming gods in the afterlife. To prepare for the next world, they erected temples to the gods and colossal pyramid tombs for themselves. They were packed with all the things each ruler would need to guide and sustain themselves in the next world, though many tombs were raided over time.

Going inside

It is possible to go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza for an extra fee EGP300. Some say it is not worth going inside the pyramid, as there is nothing to see. Personally, I think it is about the experience. As mentioned above, the Great Pyramid of Giza is a mystical wonder of the world that we are still trying to fathom. I’ve long dreamt of visiting Egypt and seeing the pyramids, and I can’t quite believe I’m finally here.

I now have the chance to enter this defining structure, and I am hesitant but question whether the opportunity will present itself again. I am both scared and excited. From what I have been told, this is going to be a challenge, but hey, I love a challenge.

I run my hands along the smooth limestone several times, but touching the stones on the outside doesn’t feel like enough. Looking up in reverence, I try to comprehend the magnitude of the architecture and take in what I am about to do. It all feels so surreal.

Let’s do it!

Ready to start the climb, I ascend on the outside, on the sizeable building blocks of limestone. They are huge, with each stone reaching chest height.

Throngs of people are loitering outside and taking pictures. Upon reaching the entrance, approximately one-third up, I look down nervously at my guide and wave.

I then enter. The pyramid is marginally lit. I walk approximately 20m until I reach a small, square, narrow tunnel through which I have to crawl.

Starting to panic, I question whether I really want to do this. After having a serious word with myself, I affirm, “you got this, girl”. I take a deep breath and go for it, scurrying through as quickly as possible, eager to reach the end.

I start to feel a little claustrophobic. It was like being in a box, and my mind was not running but sprinting wild.

Here I am, inside the Great Pyramid of Giza. It has been standing for over 4,000 years, and all that is going through my mind is that it might choose now to collapse. I know it’s ridiculous, but you can seriously start to panic when your mind is not focused.

As I reach the end of the tunnel and unfold, I feel pretty pleased with myself as I believed that was it. Ahead of me is a door, which I later discover is the Queen’s Chamber, but it is locked. Where to next, then? Where do we go?

Is that it?!

Myself and a few others on this what seems akin to an “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” conquest look around bewilderingly “is this it?!” we exclaim.

We then look up and grasp that a further hike is required up a makeshift stairway erected with a wooden board and planks connecting the board at intervals with wooden handrails. We can vaguely see a man sitting at the top guarding the entrance to a room. He makes hand gestures indicating it is okay for us to come up.

I start to realise this is a maze of narrow passageways and shafts. At this point, I wonder whether it’s really going to be worth it, but I still hoist myself up to mount the unsteady path.

The higher I climb, the tighter the air. It reeks of asphalt, and I am starting to swelter as the temperature is rising.

The King’s Chamber

When I eventually reach the top, there is a room, known as the King’s chamber.

The vault lies precisely in the centre of the pyramid and is vacant but for a sarcophagus inside. This is recognised as the position where Khufu was entombed.

There are about six of us in there. I make eye contact with the guard who is now in the room. He ushers me while stating I should stand in the middle of the room while placing my hands on the coffin.

The cover of the sarcophagus is absent, as is the King’s mummy. He utters quietly “the middle of the room is the most powerful point. It is the centre of the pyramid and where you will receive the most energy”. It is here where the soul would leave the body.

As I stand in the middle of the room with my hands placed at the centre of the coffin, I feel overcome by penetrating divine energy. Though it seems everyone else is not impressed by their findings, as by this time, I am the only one left in the room.

I go into a meditative trance-like state, and the energy is so overwhelming that I bolt out of the room. It was in no way negative but very profound.

What is inside the Pyramid?

I overcame my fears to climb inside the Great Pyramid of Giza. There was an inexplicable, immense and powerful energy while being stood at the centre of the pyramid and I came out a different person.

There are no carvings inside, as decoration of the burial chambers with hieroglyphics is believed to have started in later pyramids. Because of this, many believe that it is a waste of time going in the Great Pyramid as there is nothing to see.

I truly believe that depends, on the type of individual you are. There may not be a lot to see, but there is undeniably a lot to feel. This was a life-changing experience and one which I will forever carry with me. Stop, tune in and feel the magic.

I will never forget that on exiting the pyramid, an Egyptian man turned to me and said” welcome back sister” – the timing of which, was no coincidence.

Though I came by myself on this journey, I am never alone. I am always guided by my Ancestors.

Looking for other things to do in Egypt? Check out 12 Best Things To Do In Egypt.