YAMOUNEH TO AQOURA (12 KM)

THE NORTH BEKAA TRAIL

Trail Brief

This trail starts in the Yammouneh village and goes up in the mountain towards the Aqoura village. The end of this section is a connection between Boukaat Loubnan trails and the Lebanon Mountain Trail. The trail starts at the Wade el Khayl located on the borders of Yammouneh and climbs towards the Aqoura high plateau. The whole trail is a dirt road crossing the plateau. The climb ends at Tallet Al Jamii, an ancient building dating from the Lebanese civil war. From that location, the views are rewarding over the Anti Lebanon Mountain Range, the Bekaa Valley, and the Yammouneh Lake, all the way to Ouyoune Orgosh and Daher el Qadib, Lebanon's highest mountain plateau. After that point, the hike follows a dirt road through the Aqoura plateau. It crosses an ancient inscription dating from the era of the Roman Hadrian Emperor. This section also meets with section # 11 of the Lebanon Mountain Trail going from Aqoura town to Afqa. The section ends at the mountain paved road leading to the Aqoura town. 

Lenght: 12 KM

Duration: 4H 0Min

Grade: Moderate

Style: Linear

Type Terrain: Dirt Road

Start: Yamouneh

End: Aqoura

Nearest Town: yamouneh, aqoura

Total Ascent: 970 m

Total Descent: 970 m

Highest Point: 2213 m

Lowest Point: 1336 m


Best Season to Visit:
Winter, Summer, Spring, Autumn

Trail Usage:
Trail Running, Snowshoeing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Back Country Skiing

Check this trail google location:
Click here

Check this trail on Wikiloc:
Click here


Mode of accommodation:

Women's Association of Deir El Ahmar – WADA: WADA is a network of 30 local guesthouses in Deir Al Ahmar that is run by women from the local community. Stay in one of WADA’s eco-friendly and traditional houses with local villagers, who are known for their hospitality and generosity, and experience first-hand their way of life. The people of Deir El Ahmar are known for preserving the rural Lebanese traditions, so you will get a chance to taste traditional gastronomy prepared by WADA members, such as all kinds of Mezzeh and traditional food, including maakroun bi toum, kaak bil halib, khobeyz’e borghol, and kebbeh hazineh.

Deir El Ahmar Village - Hotel in Deir El Ahmar: Located in Deir El Ahmar, the Village harnesses its beautiful location and stunning scenery to ensure its guests an unmatched religious and touristic experience.

Monastery of the Abandoned Jesus: Located in Deir El Ahmar, the Monastery of the Abandoned Jesus was created to spread spiritual culture and promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue. The monastery has rooms for people wishing to stay the night.

Motel Bechwat: Located in the center of Bechwat square, Motel Bechwat is the perfect option for you to spend a relaxing evening in the perfect village to pray, sleep and enjoy nature.

Tony Rahme guesthouse – Ainata: By staying at local guesthouses, you will get a chance to interact with the local villagers and see their traditional way of living. You will also enjoy the meals prepared by Tony and his family themselves as they are acknowledged for their hospitality and generosity.

Chalets in Oyoun Orghosh: The area of Oyoun Orghosh harbors several chalets that hikers can rent. One famous chalet is called “Blue Sky Chalet”. It is equipped with solar power and includes amenities.

Lezzeb Lodge – Hermel: Situated at 1860 meters above sea level, the Lezzeb Lodge in Hermel is a true opportunity for hikers to disconnect from the whole world. It is a place of total calm and serenity with zero buildings around it.

Al-Jord campsite – Hemrel: Perched 2,100 meters above sea level, Al-Jord campsite will take you to another world. Inhale fresh air and disconnect from all the noises of life, and dazzle your eyes with the beautiful scenery of valleys, green swathes, and low-laying clouds.

Trail Highlight

Roman Emperor Hadrian (134 AD) used to spend his summers in what is known today as the Yammouneh nature reserve that he declared as "portected", banning anyone from cutting its trees. Major points of interest include the Yammouneh lake which is fed by the spring of the forty martyrs (Ain Arbaeen). When you reach the Aqoura high plateau, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the village, especially from the Church of Our Lady of Imprisonment in Aqoura (Saydet el Hebs). Caving lovers can explore the Roueiss cave located in Aqoura or even extend their stay and take a hike on the Lebanon Mountain Trail. In Yammouneh, one can enjoy trout fishing at the lake and visit Nabee el Arabaiine ruins. Snowshoeing and backcountry skiing lovers can enjoy exploring the high plateau of Aqoura and Yammouneh in winter, or go on a simple walk around the lake. 

Gear you might need

When preparing for a hiking trip, it is important to have a personalized kit that suits your specific needs and the specific requirements of your trip. Here is a checklist that you can add to the “Ten Essentials”

Trailhead Location

Gallery

Yamouneh  To Aqoura
Yamouneh  To Aqoura
Yamouneh  To Aqoura
Yamouneh  To Aqoura

Your Safety Matters

The Boukaat Loubnan Trails (BLT) recognizes that hiking, trekking and climbing are activities with potential ensuing personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of or/and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions. Also, the BLT is not responsible for any health hazard resulting from using or drinking any water source on the trail.

Similar Trails

product Moderate
10 Km

Marjhine To Brissa

product Moderate
6 Km

Al Elleh Forest

product Moderate
10 Km

Ainata Ouyoune Orgosh

product Moderate
22 Km

Yamouneh To Ainata