AL QAA (14 KM)

THE ANTI LEBANON TRAIL

Trail Brief

Al-Qaa section is the trailhead of the Anti-Lebanon Trail. This segment crosses the highlands at the east of Al-Qaa village. The trail kicks off at Qanayet al-Sit Balkis, the ancient Roman water canal that reaches the summer tent settlements of the shepherds in "Wadi al-Mouaalwaj". From this point forward, the path climbs towards the paved road leading to "Sobbit Baayoun Hill", then reaches a crossing towards the East with a 30-minute climb along the path, followed by a descent toward the Valley of "Khirbet al-Dmayneh" leading to the shepherds’ winter settlements. From this spot forth, the trail follows a steep climb to reach the plateau and the cross of Al-Qaa. The descending old path that follows leads to the Sitt Balkis Canal and the church of Saint Rita.

 

Lenght: 14 KM

Duration: 4H 0Min

Grade: Moderate

Style: Linear

Type Terrain: Footpath / Dirt Road

Nearest Town: al qaa

From Beirut: 2H 49Min

Total Ascent: 702 m

Total Descent: 566 m

Highest Point: 1282 m

Lowest Point: 841 m

Trail Map: GPX File


Best Season to Visit:
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.

Trail Highlight

This section encompasses numerous points of interest, chief among them Qanayet Sit Balkis, Wade el Maawlej, Khirbet el Dmayneh shepherds, and the cross of Al-Qaa. Once in the town of Al-Qaa, hikers can enjoy a rural tour consisting of vising the old mud houses, the Lime workshop, Fakher ed Dine remaining castle, the statue of the Virgin Mary, the serene Al-Qaa lake, the watermill, Saint Elias and Saint Rita churches, and Georges Farha residence. The Sitt Balkis Canal is another point of attraction. There’s a castle next to it known as The Castle of Sitt Balkis, which used to also take water from this canal, thus the inspiration of its name. Kindly note that these trails request a special permission from the Lebanese Army, which is only granted for Lebanese citizens with national IDs. Please call Boukaat Loubnan Trails to arrange you a guided hike. 

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

Al Qaa
Al Qaa
Al Qaa
Al Qaa
Al Qaa
Al Qaa

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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