Many Lebanon's wonders are hidden from the highways and can be accessed only on foot, as discovered on our breathtaking hike to the North last Sunday.

April is a great month to discover these wonders: the winding mountain trails, leading from valleys to mountain tops, following rivers and passing waterfalls, and the hospitable rural community still following age-old farming traditions. Spring flowers are dotted all over the hills during this month and you are sure to discover budding flora previously unknown to you.

The terrain varies from gentle to challenging, but at the end of a hike with us you will feel a real sense of achievement - plus the added benefit of burning a thousand calories!! And there is always a helping hand available to guide you up the hill. 

Our next hike ( 6 April 2008) commences in the village of Niha to follow the LMT (Lebanon Mountain Trail) which climbs steeply to the Nabi Ayoub Shrine, located on a hill overlooking the Chouf town of Niha, surrounded by oak trees. We will continue on a foot path to reach the Niha Castle, a cave fortress cut into a cliff during the Crusader time in 1165-1260. According to local tradition, Prince Fakhreddine Al-Ma'aniII took refuge in the cave when fleeing from the Ottomans in 1635.
Here we will take a break to admire the panoramic view of Bkassine pine forest and terraced groves across the valley.
The trail takes us through the Niha Reserve and we will continue hiking to reach Jezzine, famous for it's dramatic waterfall.
Take a picnic lunch or stop to buy a snack along the way to support the mountain community.

08h15: Gathering time & place: Beirut, Martyrs square, car park opposite Virgin megastore
08h30: Departure to the Shouf region
10h00: Arrival to Niha where we will commence our hike on the LMT.
19h00: Estimated arrival Beirut.

Useful information:
Distance: 11.8 km
Level: Moderate
Niha: 1100m / Nabi Ayoub: 1500m
Niha Castle: 1150m / Jezzine: 900m

Price per person: 27 US$ (12-16 persons) / 18US$ (17-25 persons)

Price Includes: Transportation, tour leader, local guide & insurance
Does not include: Breakfast, entrance fees for the Shouf reserve & lunch (feel free to bring you own picnic)
Recommended attire: Trekking shoes, hat, sun block, warm jacket, backpack, water, sun glasses, small plastic trash bag & identity card.

Participants are kindly invited to follow the instructions: not walk ahead of the guide & follow the itinerary.

For confirmation or comments please write to Cyclamen@tlb-destinations.com and we will be more than happy to assist you. If we did not back to you within 24 hours, please confirm by telephone.

Nassim Yaacoub
CYCLAMEN
 
Tel:
+961 4 41 98 48
+961 4 41 46 97
Fax:
+961 4 40 26 34
E-mail: cyclamen@tlb-destinations.com
Website: www.tlb-destinations.com

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