YAMOUNEH TO AINATA (22 KM)

THE NORTH BEKAA TRAIL

Trail Brief

This section extends from the town of Yammouneh to Ainata. It crosses the area of Al Awja, a woodland covered mainly by aok trees, and a winter destination for local shepherds. From Al Awja, the trail follows the back of the mountain and passes the Churches of Saint Georges and Saint Peter and Paul. From the church of Saint Peter and Paul, the trail continues to Mrah Bou Younes and Mrah Maroun, then going down and crossing the Mshaytiyeh Village main road and starts the climb towards Kornet Bayt Latouf. From Kornet Bayt Latouf the trail goes down through Wade el Khayl and end in Ainata village. 

Lenght: 22 KM

Duration: 6H 0Min

Grade: Moderate

Style: Linear

Type Terrain: Footpath

Start: Yammouneh

End: Ainata

Nearest Town: yamouneh, ainata, mshaytiyeh

Total Ascent: 649 m

Total Descent: 553 m

Highest Point: 1687 m

Lowest Point: 1380 m


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

Trail Usage:
Trail Running, Snowshoeing, Hiking

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

Classified as a nature reserve since 1999, the Yammouneh protected reserve is a peaceful destination with incredible history. It is believed that an array of ancinet civilizations have passed through this place, including Phoenician, Roman, and Arab. This section also offers majestic views on the banks of the Yammouneh lake and over the Makmel Mountain Range. Once in Yammouneh, hikers can enjoy a walk around the lake, visit the Nabee el Arabiine water spring, and taste fresh trout fish from the lake. In Summer, hikers may also get the chance to participate in agrotourism activities, such as apple picking, and food provision production, or "mouneh making", with the households of Yammouneh. Additionally, the woodland of Al Awja is in itself a beautiful landmark thanks to its scattered juniper trees.

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”

Gallery

Yamouneh To Ainata
Yamouneh To Ainata
Yamouneh To Ainata
Yamouneh To Ainata
Yamouneh To Ainata

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
12 Km

Yamouneh To Aqoura

product Moderate
10 Km

Marjhine To Brissa

product Moderate
10 Km

Ainata Ouyoune Orgosh

product Moderate
6 Km

Al Elleh Forest