It’s Halloween at L’Horizon de Khéops: get 20% off tickets from October 28 to 30 (and come on October 31 to win a prize!)🎃
Khéops Horizon opened its doors in February, inviting us to step back in time to explore the mythical landscapes of Ancient Egypt.
Created in collaboration with Harvard University Egyptologist Peter der Manuelian, the expedition is based on a simple promise: to combine a spectacular virtual reality show with cutting-edge historical insight. And it’s a successful bet: from the costumes to the architecture and culture of the period, Khufu Horizon transports us to the heart of the Giza necropolis like never before.
We tell you all about it…
Table Of Contents
We had to gear up!
As with any expedition, the first step is to get dressed. Once we’d named our avatars, we were able to don the equipment we’d need for our journey. After donning a virtual reality headset and a sensor system to wear on our backs, we finally felt ready for the experience of a lifetime: walking in the footsteps of the pharaohs of yesteryear. The journey already seemed less stressful: it was as if we had goggles and a backpack after all.
Once equipped and ready to go, we were told what to expect. The instructions were simple: don’t run into the red walls, avoid injuring yourself by bumping into other avatars, etc. Once the helmet was on, we were ready to go. Once the helmet was activated, we found ourselves plunged into a parallel universe.
The journey was exciting
Between the fear of bumping into another participant and the total disorientation of the adventure, knowing we had a virtual guide was reassuring. Mona, our guide, explained the story behind the “Horizon of Cheops” – the name given to the pyramids of Giza by the ancient Egyptians.
A black cat seemed to accompany us everywhere, and we figured he was just along for the ride. Well, it turns out there’s more to this cat than meets the eye. If you’re familiar with ancient Egyptian history, you’ll know that cats were worshipped as gods and goddesses. During our expedition, the cat taught us more than one thing: the myths and rituals of ancient Egypt were revealed to us, especially when we attended the funeral of Pharaoh Cheops. The customs and traditions of the funeral rites offered us a valuable glimpse into history – something to truly marvel at.
Adventure conditions
As with all immersive experiences, there are a few factors that can affect your trip to Ancient Egypt. For a start, the time and day of the visit. The groups are very well spread out, but some may be a little noisier than expected – affecting your own experience. Fortunately, the staff in the room remind everyone to keep their voices down during the expedition so that everyone can enjoy the adventure!
Something important to note: with the effectiveness of the digital effects, you sometimes feel as if you’re soaring to incredible heights. Without moving a muscle, anyone who suffers from vertigo or motion sickness may feel disoriented. The same applies to claustrophobics: exploring the tunnels inside the pyramid can be uncomfortable for some. But don’t worry, you can remove your helmet at any time if it becomes too much for you, and you can consult the experience’s FAQ before buying your ticket for more certainty.
In conclusion…
Khufu Horizon is a remarkable gateway to ancient Egypt. Both fun and educational, the trip is ideal for the whole family – the opportunity to see an endless expanse of golden sand, without setting foot outside Montreal. It’s also a well-deserved break between shopping, restaurants and bars… the Old Port is full of them!
Get your tickets for Horizon de Khéops! 🏜️🌴
