Ready to check out the best hiking trail in Lebanon? From North to South, Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) is a 470 kilometer path crossing the mountain summits of Lebanon. The trail is divided into 26 parts and covers 75 towns and villages with elevations of around 2600 meters above sea level.
Don’t forget to bring your trail maps, plenty of food and water, hiking boots, a first-aid kit, as well your camera!
1. Andqet to Qobayet
Let’s begin with the first trail from North Lebanon at Andqet to Qobayat. The part is 16 Km, ascent 548 m and descent 540 m. Along the way, you pass through some of the most charming sceneries in Lebanon, where serenity and tranquillity can be found in abundance.
2. Qobayet to Tashea
This second part of the Lebanon Mountain Trail starts in Qobayet, from wadi Helsban near Mar Chalita church which traverses agricultural roads and a forested area and is accessible all year, even if occasionally covered with snow.
3. Qemmamine to Kfar Bnine
The trail in this part of the LMT crosses mostly paths along forested hillsides. The trail starts at Qemmamine and end at Kfar Bebnine. The era is famous for more than its views, the Jehannem valleys (wadi jhanam) with its profound valleys, high summits and beautiful pine forests.
4. Kfar Bnine to Beqaa Sefrine
The trail in this part starts in Kfar Bebnine and ends in Beqaa Safrine with the added bonus of a visit to the historic town of Sir ed Danniyé which is home to a good base for hiking and offers its attractions. Some pathways are difficult to reach in winter due to snow.
5. Beqaa Sefrine to Ehden
This section of the LMT starts on agricultural roads from Bqaa Safrine guest house and passes forests and then crosses green highlands before reaching the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve. During the winter, this section is normally covered in snow.
6. Ehden to Wadi Qannoubine
This part of the LMT starts in the village of Ehden, one of several entry sites into the Qadisha Valley world heritage site and one of the holiest sites for Maronites. The trail passes through three major holy sections: the Qozhaiya valley (monastery of Mar Antonios), Deir Mar Elisha “Lishaa” (Saint Elias) and the Qannoubine valley, home to several holy convents and hermitages.
7. Wadi Qannoubine to Bcharre
Wadi Qannoubine is home to numerous beautiful monasteries, chapels, and scenes. As well as traversing the valley, the LMT passes by the majestic forest of cedars.
8. Bcharre to Hasroun
This section of the LMT starts in the historic town of Bcharre and passes by the highest village in Lebanon, Bqaa Kafra, the neighboring villages of Bqorqacha and Bazaoun before reaching the beautiful Hasroun. This area is picturesque in its own right, with the views of the Qadisha Valley.
9. Harsoun to Tannourine el Faouqa
This section of the LMT starts in village of Hasroun and passes by the villages of Dimane, Brissat, and Hadath el Jebbe. It then crosses the high open country that leads to the cedar forest of Tannourine before traversing the historic valleys that find their way to Tannourine el Faouqa.
10. Tannourine el Faouqa to Aaqoura
This part of the LMT starts in the central square of Tannourine el Faouqa and heads south onto the high plateau that shows the main charms of the Lebanese mountains. It passes the famous sinkhole of Baatara as well. Other main places of interest are three reservoirs and sites; the ruins of Saydet Zwiela, the plains of Marj Rima and the Tim Rtiba Mountain. The area is a prime destination for tourism.
11. Aaqoura to Afqa
This part of the LMT starts in the village of Aaqoura. The land is frequently dry, stony and treeless before reaching Afqa reserve and nearby caves and spring. For a shorter walk that shouldn’t take all day long, you can climb to the top, where you can enjoy some wonderful views, it is worth it!
12. Afqa to Chabrouh
After leaving Afqa cave, the trail crosses through the villages of Lassa and Qamez. Next, the trail leaves the Nahr Ibrahim breaking point, and drops down toward the village of Hrajel. This route is a beautiful way to see the region!
13. Chabrouh to Kfardebiane
This part of the LMT starts with crossing a far-reaching valley below the famous ski resorts at Ouyoun el Simane and Faqra. The walk is difficult, and can also provide a snowshoeing route during the winter, and there is usually some scrambling required. The trail passes a historic Roman temple at the end.
14. Kfardebiane to Baskinta
This section of the LMT begins at the village of Kfar Aaqab and passes through a pine forest and the neighboring villages of Ouadi el Karm, Machraa, and Ain el Qabou. On the other side, is the treeless peak of Mount Sannine which deserves a visit; a beautiful climb through some lovely woodland, passing the charming town of Baskinta, where on a clear day the views are superb.
15. Baskinta to Mtein
This section of the LMT starts in the village of Baskinta to Ouadi el Delb, before reaching the beautiful village of El Mtain. The main highlights are the spectacular valley views, the cave of Seif el Dawleh, the church of Saydet el Khalleh, and the Roman ruins at el Jawzeh. When it emerges into the open areas the views are very beautiful, while in the green areas it is often serener and splendid.
16. Mtein to Falougha
This section of the LMT begins at the beautiful village square of Mtain which merits a visit. The main tourist attractions are the square in El Mtain, the old bridge at Mchika, the Roman bridge in Bzibdine, the serail in Qornayel, World War II army trenches, the valley of Lamartine, and springs under the mighty views of Jabal el Kneisseh.
17. Falougha to Ain Zhalta
This section of the LMT crosses over the beautiful towns of Ain Dara and Ain Zhalta. You’ll see cedar trees near Falougha and Bmahrai. The main things to see are the picturesque views of the Lamartine valley, the village square in Bmahrai and the water spring and pine forest at Nabeh Safa, enjoying the lovely mountain air and surroundings.
18. Ain Zhalta to El Barouk
This route is a great way to get some beautiful mountain scenery as you skirt the area around cedar forests that form part of protected areas throughout Lebanon. The main places of interest are the cedar forests, the scenic views all the way to Mount Hermon, and some very lovely bird watching.
19. El Barouk to Maaser El Chouf
This part of the LMT starts in the village of El Barouk/Fraidis and traverses the Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve at both El Barouk and Maasser el Chouf, the green hills around are worth a few minutes to admire. The main places of interest are cedar forests, beautiful overlooks, and sensational views.
20. Maaser el Chouf to Niha
This part of the LMT crosses over the highest areas of the Chouf at the foot of the Chouf mountain summits. Experienced hikers will find a winter or early spring ascent particularly rewarding, when the snow covers much of the mountain, to make the views even more special.
21. Niha to Jezzine
This section of the LMT starts at the village of Niha. A steep climb takes you to the Nabi Ayoub shrine and the Niha fort before heading south to Jezzine. The panoramic views over the valley to the west are superb, many springs on the way. Nearby is the Niha Square and Nabi Ayoub shrine.
22. Jezzine to Aaitanit
This part of the LMT starts in Jezzine and follows a long foot path through a valley and then over the main range of mountains into the Bekaa valley. There are beautiful forests along the way, as well as panoramic views toward Niha, Mount Hermon, and Lake Qaraoun.
23. Aaitanit to Kaokaba Bou Arab
The best part of this section of the trail is the dam at Lake Qaraoun. The trail then passes through the southern reaches of the Bekaa valley, Kaokaba Bou Arab, with remarkable views of Mount Hermon to the east. Tourists can expect a lot of rolling hills and wide-open countryside.
24. Rachaya to Hasbaya
This part of the LMT initiates in Rachaya and showcases the natural beauty and cultural wealth of the southern section of the LMT. The trail side Mount Hermon, passes fascinating rock formations and an oak forest, the shrine at Nabi Sheet, and a cave at Ain Tinta before reaching Hasbaya.
25. Hasbaya to Marjaayoun
This southmost part of the LMT allows for exploration of the historic areas surrounding both Hasbaiya and Marjaayoun. The flea market at the Souk el Khan every Tuesday morning is worth a visit and the “hima” of Ibl el Saqi pine forest, there are a lot of miles to cover before you’re through.
If you’re looking for a hike this weekend, start checking them out and you’ll be out on the trail in no time!
