- NATURE & ECOTOURISM
- SPORTS & ADVENTURE
- hiking
Aaqoura, Jbeil district
Trail length 21,8 km
North to South
From Aaqoura to Afqa
Total ascent 590m
Total descent 912m
Level of difficulty Difficult (5h30)
South to North
From Afqa to Aaqoura
Total ascent 590m
Total descent 912m
Level of difficulty Difficult (6h30)
You can start walking on section 11 next to the info panel above the village. Most of the walk is along a dirt road, with the trail following the majestic cliffs to the east of the village and climbing up to a high altitude along the ridge line. When you pass by Ain el Aasafir spring, turn right to reach the top of the mountain range. After passing by Saydet Sehta shrine, you continue along the dirt road and then start walking downhill on a goat path towards a grove of the juniper trees. There you will reach another dirt road that goes winding through orchards and fields. Walk straight along the paved road and cross over the main el Mnaitra road, passing by “La Foret des Chenes”. Take the dirt road to reach Nabaa el Hosn spring from where you walk down the footpath into the “Juniper Forest”. Then take the dirt road that terminates near Takla church which is on the paved road. This section ends there or you can continue on towards Afqa on section 12.
Important to know
- There are some steep descents along this section. The trail consists of dirt & paved roads, footpaths and goat trails.
- This section is completely marked.
- If you plan to walk alone, please inform the LMTA about the dates of your trip at info@lebanontrail.org and ask for the GPS track.
- For your stay, contact the guest house or the guide few days before you start your trip.
Getting there
Take the coastal highway northbound from Beirut to Jbeil. At Jbeil, leave the highway and follow the road to Ehmej and Laqlouq. When you arrive at the fork in Laqlouq, go right to the village of el Aaqoura. To reach the end of the village, you can take the paved road near the signs towards the head of the trail at the info panel. To reach Afqa, go past the village of el Aaqoura and Majdel el Aaqoura. The trail starts near Mar Takla church but before you reach Afqa cave.
Source: Lebanon Mountain Trail Association