The program of Vamos Todos for the month of May is as follows:
Sunday, May 2 Hiking in Bisri/Ashmoun
Thursday, May 6 Hiking in Ain Zhalta
Sunday, May 9 Hiking in Ammoua – Ain Yaacoub
Sunday, May 16 Hiking in Niha Chouf
Sunday, May 23 Hiking in Chebaa
Friday, May 28 Night Hike in Baakline
Sunday, May 2 - Hiking in Bisri/Ashmoun
Bisri River is a part of Awwali River. It separates Mount Lebanon from the South.
The hike will be one level; level 3.
You will walk along the riverbank, having enough time to contemplate scenery and take pictures. It will be easy, with minor ups and downs.
Before we start our hike in Bisri, we will stop on the way to see the historical ruins of Eshmoun.
On our way back, a short visit to Deir El Moukhalles will be the best way to end the day.
WHERE: Bisri. In the south. 60 km from Beirut. 500 m above sea level.
PRICE: 35,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance.
WHAT TO GET: Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with lunch, water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Don’t forget a light jacket because it gets cold in the shade. Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes.
Thursday, May 6 - Hiking in Ain Zhalta
The largest of Lebanon nature reserves, Al-Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve stretches from Dahr Al-Baidar in the north to Niha Mountain in the south.
Our hike this Sunday will be in this beautiful Cedar reserve, in the section of Ain Zhalta.
The hike will be divided into three levels:
WHERE: Ain Zhalta. Chouf region. 1250m to 2000m above sea level. 45 km from Beirut
PRICE: 40,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance, and entrance to the reserve.
WHAT TO GET: Wear hiking shoes, or comfortable walking shoes. Get a jacket, sunscreen and cap. Carry your lunch and water in your back-pack, with some energy boosting snacks.
Sunday, May 9 - Hiking in Ammoua – Ain Yaacoub
Ammoua is a plain surrounded by mountains with all sorts of trees. You get the feeling of being in a funnel. It is an unusual forest, having 42 different kinds of trees. Some trees are more than 30 meters high. There are many water sources which could be used to irrigate almost all of the Akkar plain.
This hike has been organized in collaboration with UNDP.
The hike will be divided into two levels:
At the end of the hike, both levels will go by bus to Ain Yaacoub for lunch.
WHERE: Ammoua – Ain Yaakoub. 1250 m – 800 m above sea level. 150 km from Beirut
PRICE: $40 per person including transport, guides, insurance, lunch.
WHAT TO GET: Wear hiking shoes, or comfortable walking shoes. Get a jacket and cap. Sunscreen may be needed, depending on the weather. Carry some water in your back-pack, with some energy boosting snacks.
Sunday, May 16 - Hiking in Niha Chouf
Niha is the last village in Mount Lebanon. It offers you great scenery, fresh air and an escape from daily stress in the city.
The hike will be three levels.
All levels will end up at Nabi Ayoub, where splendid views take your breath away.
The three levels will have lunch together. It will be a local traditional village style lunch, typical of the region. It will be prepared by the local women, and you will have the opportunity to taste real organic food.
WHERE: Niha Chouf. 65 km from Beirut . 1650 m above sea level
WHAT TO GET: Pack your backpack with water, lunch, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap. Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes. Get a light jacket along, in case it gets cool up there.
PRICE: $40 per person including transport, guides, insurance, lunch, and entrance to the reserve.
Sunday, May 23 - Hiking in Chebaa
One of the most beautiful places in the south, is where you must be this Sunday.
Walking among beautiful sceneries, you will visit the old mills and see how wheat used to be grinded in Chebaa’s water mills.
Then you will get to pass through cherry orchards, tasting delicious cherries along the way, until you get to ‘Nabe3 el Mghara’.
A visit to ‘Nabe3 3ain el Jawz’ is also on the schedule.
A traditional Lebanese lunch in a small restaurant at ‘Nabe3 el Jawz’ would be a great to end the day. Just sit and relax, and listen to the sound of water.
WHERE: Chebaa, south of Lebanon, 1500 meters above sea level.
WHAT TO GET: Don’t forget your Lebanese ID. Foreigners must bring their passports.
PRICE: $40 including transport, guides, insurance, and lunch.
Friday, May 28 - Night Hike in Baakline
Baakline is a village of moderate altitude, ideal for night hiking at this time of year.
Accompanied by the full moon, we will hike together in one group along an easy path.
Discover nature by night. It is an experience not to be missed.
At the end of the hike, you will have a cozy gathering around a campfire, roasting potatoes, boiling tea, and eating tasty manakish.
WHERE: Baakline. In the region of Chouf. 800 m above sea level
WHAT TO GET: You must wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes. Get a light jacket since it gets cold at night. A small water bottle will be needed. Don’t forget to get a flashlight.
PRICE: 35,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance.
