Pyramid of Khafre

Lonely Planet review

Southwest of the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre seems larger than that of his father, Khufu. At just 136m high, it's not, but it stands on higher ground and its peak is still capped with a limestone casing. Originally all three pyramids were totally encased with polished white stone, which would have made them gleam in the sun. Over the centuries, this casing has been stripped for use in palaces and mosques, exposing the softer inner-core stones to the elements.

The chambers and passageways of this particular pyramid are less elaborate than those in the Great Pyramid, but are almost as claustrophobic. The entrance descends into a passage and then across to the burial chamber, which still contains Khafre's large granite sarcophagus. Tickets are sold at the kiosk in front of the pyramid. Back outside, to the east of the pyramid, are the substantial remains of Khafre's funerary temple and the flagged paving of the causeway that provided access from the Nile to the tomb.