MARJHINE TO BRISSA (10 KM)

THE NORTH BEKAA TRAIL

Trail Brief

This section starts from above the Marjhine plain in Jroud El Hermel from Ras Akabet Al Sharbine, where swathes of waving green offer a haven for shepherds and their flocks. The trail follows an ancient route known as the high peak route that used to connect Akkar mountains to those of the Beqaa. The trail reaches the Shrine of Ali el Tawil,  a venerable holy man for the Muslim Shiaa. From Ali el Tawil, the trail starts descending towards the village of Brissa through scenic juniper trees. Once in Brissa, do not miss visiting ancient ruins dating from the Byzantine era. Brissa is also known to hold the world's biggest Neo Babylonean inscription from the era of the king Nabuchednesszar II (605BC–562 BC). At the time of king Nabuchednesszar II, the cedar forests of northern Lebanon were widely exploited and used in the palaces and temples of Babylon. The inscriptions in the village of Brissa tell this story. The trail ends at the inscriptions. From that point, follow the main road through the valley ending at the ancient ruins inside the village. 

Lenght: 10 KM

Duration: 5H 0Min

Grade: Moderate

Style: Linear

Type Terrain: Footpath / Dirt Road

Start: Hine Highlands

End: Brissa Village

Nearest Town: brissa

From Beirut: 3H 30Min

Total Ascent: 214 m

Total Descent: 661 m

Highest Point: 2030 m

Lowest Point: 1401 m


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

Trail Usage:
Snowshoeing, Hiking

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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

When you take this specific path in Marjhine, you will be walking in the area that used to serve as a summer gateaway for Gebran Khalil Gebran and his family. Furthermore, this section offers views like no other place. As hikers walk, they will be rewarded with views from the Marjhine plain, Qurnet Al-Ashra, or the highest peak in Danniyeh, and Mount Ourouba, or the highest peak in the Akkar distrcit, which hikers can climb from this section. This part can be snowshoed in the winter season. Overall, it harbors many highlights like big juniper trees and the inscriptions and ruins of Brissa. Furthermore, this section connects hikers to the Lebanon Mountain Trail section number one going from Koubayat to Tachee. Once in Hermel, it is worth extending the stay to visit the Brissa Babylonean inscriptions, Qamouu el Hermel, and St. Maroun Church on the Assi river. You can also venture into a rafting activity and enjoy fresh trout fish. This section should be hiked with local guides from the Hermel region. Interested hikers should call Boukaat Loubnan Trails Team to have a local guide accompany them. 

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

Marjhine To Brissa
Marjhine To Brissa
Marjhine To Brissa
Marjhine To Brissa
Marjhine To Brissa
Marjhine To Brissa
Marjhine To Brissa
Marjhine To Brissa
Marjhine To Brissa
Marjhine To Brissa
Marjhine To Brissa
Marjhine To Brissa

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.

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