13 Jul 2024

Hiking Trip - Mar Licha - Annoubine - Becharreh District

  • Qadisha, one of Lebanon's deepest and most stunning valleys, is a realm unto itself. Carved into the rugged terrain of this gorge flows the Qadisha River, originating from the Qadisha Grotto nestled at the base of the Cedars.

    The name "Qadisha" stems from a Semitic root denoting "holy," thus earning the title of the "Holy Valley." Inhabited since the third millennium B.C. up to the Roman era, the valley is adorned with caves, rock shelters, cave chapels, hermitages, and monasteries hewn from the stone.

    Recognized by UNESCO, the entire valley, along with its cave churches, is listed as a World Heritage Site. On this journey, we'll explore Deir Saidet Annoubine, St. Marina, Deir Mar Licha, Saidet Hawka, and Mar Aboun.

    Deir Saidet Annoubine:
    One of Lebanon's oldest monasteries, believed to have been built by Byzantine Emperor Theodos the Great between 379 and 395, this monastery features walls adorned with mural paintings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, it is home to the Antonine Sisters, who offer hospitality to pilgrims.

    St. Marina:
    The chapel of St. Marina houses the tombs of eighteen patriarchs spanning from the 15th to the 19th centuries. It commemorates the story of Marina, a girl who disguised herself as a monk to enter the Annoubine monastery.

    Deir Mar Licha:
    Birthplace of the Maronite Orders of Monks, this site boasts a church within the cliff and four small chapels nestled inside a natural cave, along with monk cells.

    The hike, rated at a moderate level (Level 4), will begin from Mar Licha, enabling visits to St. Marina and Deir Saidet Annoubine. Sufficient time will be allotted to appreciate the scenery and take photographs. Following the visit to Mar Licha, we will pause at a local restaurant in the valley to enjoy lunch together.

    After lunch, you'll have the option: if you prefer an easier level, you can take a shuttle bus, to reach our bus.

    WHERE: Annoubine
    In the region of Bcharre & Ehden
    1200 m above sea level.
    80 Km from Beirut

    WHEN: Saturday, July 13

    MEETING PLACE: 8:30 AM in the parking of Sagesse School in Jdeideh, facing the public garden. (See map on: https://www.vamos-todos.com/Pages/ParkingMap.aspx)
    There will be a breakfast stop along the way.

    PRICE: 30$ per person including transport, guides and insurance.
    Kindly get the exact change.
    You can register now at all branches of Antoine Library or on the following link:
    https://www.antoineticketing.com/?event_group_id=26
    Looking forward to see you!

    WHAT TO GET: Lunch, light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits, water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Wear comfortable shoes such as hiking shoes and always keep a windproof jacket in your backpack.

    SPECIAL RATES:
    - Children with the age of 10 and younger will have a discount of 4$.
    - Children/ Teenagers between the age of 11 and 18 will have a discount of 3$.
    - University students will have a discount of 2$ provided that they present their university card.
    - Groups with 5 to 9 persons, with different criteria than the above, will get a 2$ discount.
    - Groups with 10 or more persons, with different criteria than the above, will get a 3$ discount.

    PAYMENT TERMS:
    - Cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged half-price
    - Reservations with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged an extra 2$.
    (e.g. Cancelling or booking for a Sunday’s event on Saturday will be subject to the above terms)

    ESSENTIAL ECOTOURISTIC RULES & REGULATIONS
    - Smoking is strictly prohibited during the event
    - Always follow the guide on the designated trail
    - Do not go off road without notifying the guide
    - Do not get close to a cliff especially when the guide in charge tells you not to do so
    - Although accidents are covered by the insurance but they remain under the responsibility of the member
    - Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur. Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.

    RESERVATION: Every day from 8am till 5pm on 03-917190 or 79-115001. It is preferable to send an SMS or WhatsApp from your mobile, giving your name, surname, and the event you wish to join.

    COLLABORATION:
    - “Sports Experts” is the exclusive sports gear and outfit sponsor of Vamos Todos. Members will get a special discount at all “Sports Experts” branches in Lebanon
    - “LIA insurance” is the exclusive insurance company sponsor of Vamos Todos.

    Regards,
    Vamos Todos
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