Trail Brief
This section starts from the monastery of the miraculous Lady of Ras Baalbek. It heads towards the "Tniyyet al-Ras" valley, known as "al-Sayl" or the flood. Estimately, it is a straight 20-minute walk before sloping up all the way to the cliff of St. Nicholas (Mar Koulia), where the scenery is breathtaking, as the cliff overlooks the Western Mountain Range and the North Beqaa area. "Mar Koulia" is a cave perched on a cliff. It generates water from its rocks all year long. Locals believe that this water is sacred. From the cave, the trail continues to the East toward the mountains of "al-Fekhe" region and crosses an old route thought to be the caravan route connecting Baalbek to Syria across the Anti Lebanon Mountain Range. The trail returns to Ras Baalbek and ends at the level of the town water reservoir.
Lenght: 6 KM
Duration: 2H 30Min
Grade: Moderate
Style: Linear
Type Terrain: Paved Road / Footpath / Dirt Road
Start: Ras Baalbek
End: Ras Baalbek
Nearest Town: ras baalbek
From Beirut: 2H 42Min
Total Ascent: 434 m
Total Descent: 322 m
Highest Point: 1433 m
Lowest Point: 1000 m
Best Season to Visit:
Winter, Summer, Spring, Autumn
Trail Usage:
Trail Running, Hiking
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Mode of accommodation:
Al Qaa Country Lodge: Al Qaa Country Lodge is your ideal getaway with wooden bungalows for your overnight stay. It includes a pool and a restaurant to ensure you spend the most relaxing night after your long hike.
Guesthouses of Yolla Saad and Olga al-Thoum: Staying at a guesthouse will grant you interaction with the local villagers and give you a feeling that you have returned to your roots. It will calm your thoughts. These two guesthouses in particular were newly inaugurated to enhance sustainable development and promote the local economy.
Mountada Ras Baalbeck Guesthouse: Run by the Ras Baalbeck Association, Mountada Ras Baalbeck Guesthouse is a Lebanese guesthouse that is guaranteed to make you feel home. The Ras Baalbeck Association promotes local development and growth and is a partner with Women’s Association of Ras Baalbeck. They handle the preparation and serving of food, and they are famous for Mouneh making. You will be part of this authentic gastronomy experience in the area.
