Dear hikers,
That trail will take us to another era where the Prophet Elias build his hermitage on the top of this mountain inside a cave and where the Canaanites choose that mountain to build there temples and tombs because that mountain overviews Makmal mountains, the sacred valley as well as the sea. The importance of this location is that it provided the Phoenicians with visual surveillance in all directions which helped them keep an eye on their colonies in Bcharri and Hadchit, while communicating with temples in other areas.
Description of the trail:
We will pass by 3 villages during our hike. Ban, Hadchit and Blaouza. The first part of the trail have some uphills starting from Ban reaching Mar Elias Hadchit (1750m). We will have a panoramic view of qannoubine and qozhaya valley, cedars of Becharre, Makmal mountains, Keniset rab. So we will have a 15 mins break to enjoy the surrounding views.
Then, we continue our path toward a beautiful cliff, hiking around 2 kms between engraved rocks carved by the snow and the erosion of the water making beautiful sculptures.
From the cliff, we will pass by several kind of orchards, like olive trees, apple trees and cherry trees. So, maybe we will have the chance to taste some cherries.
Our lunch break, will be near Mar Seba church in Blaouza. The last 4 kms will take us Mar Elias church in Blaouza where the hike comes to an end.
Mar Elias church and monastery, Hadchit is a small church on the top of the mountain which was named after the Biblical Saint Mar Elias who was originally from Sarepta (Sarafand).It was thought at that time that he mysteriously disappeared from Sarepta for two years that he was completing his hermitage on the top of this mountain inside a cave.
It is speculated that this cave used to be a Canaan/Phoenician temple due to the fact that it follows the characteristics of where temples should be, and it completes the link of mountain top temples.
The area surrounding the cave got transformed into a small church and the cave was expanded within.
Blaouza lies in the Qannoubine Valley region of the Qadisha Valley, an area settled 1,000-1,300 years ago by Maronite refugees fleeing persecution in the remote mountains of Lebanon and Syria.
Most villages in the region have Aramaic names, and the name Blaouza comes from the Aramaic for "almond plains".[3] Until the early 20th century, most villagers were Aramaic-speakers, and as a result, Blaouza natives speak Arabic with a distinct accent. This is also true of many of the Maronite villages of the region.
Unlike most Maronites in Lebanon, residents of Blaouza (and the Qadisha Valley in general) claim to be of Aramean, rather than Phoenician descent.
N.B.:
- Date: Sunday June 1, 2025
- All cancellations made on Saturday noon will be requested the full cost of the tour. Thank you for understanding.
- Destination: Ban, Hadchit, Blaouza
- 90 kms away from Beirut
- meeting point in jal dib & downtown Beirut
- Plz don't smoke during the hike
- Follow the guide instructions
- Breakfast stop on the road
- We can pick up hikers on our way.
REMARK:
Early reservations is highly recommended by confirming your attendance on the event by calling Daniel on 70-196750 ( whatsapp-viber-sms-messenger ) or through visiting our website www.vincalibanotica.weebly.com and also VINCA LIBANOTICA page, group and instagram.
Meeting points :
1- @ 7:45 am: jal dib near DHL and Banque Libano Francaise facing the Canadian embassy (we can pick our hikers that live on our way)
2- @ 7:30 am: near Al Amine Mosque downtown Beirut.
Departure : 7:30 am from Al amine mosque Beirut (plz be on time)
: 7:45 am from Jal dib (plz be on time)
Breakfast stop on the road
Hiking distance:
13 kms - level 5 moderate
Max min Elevations : 1400 m - 1750 m - 1350 m
Total hiking duration : 5.5 hrs
Moving time : 5 hrs
Required materials : hiking boots, backpack, hat, 3L of water, raincoat, sunglasses, sunscreen, healthy snacks, hiking stick.
Fees: 20 USD (including transportation, guidance, giveaways, but does not include medical insurance)
Group of 6 will benefit from 1 free hiking invitation
Group of 10 will benefit from 2 free hiking invitation
For info and reservation call:
Daniel Salameh 70 196 750
KEEP HIKING, STAY HEALTHY AND THANK YOU FOR NOT SMOKING ON OUR TRIPS
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