22 Dec 2024

Hiking Trip - Marj Baskinta Hike - Maten District

  • Baskinta derives its name from the ancient Syriac language, meaning 'the house of wisdom.' Surrounded by Sannine to the East, Bakich and Marj to the North, and Zaarour to the South, with an open valley to the West, it has the characteristics of a geographical fortress.

    Baskinta is also the birthplace of the famous Lebanese author and poet Mikhael Neaime.

    The village boasts a vast pine forest known as Marj Baskinta, where our hike will take us through dense trees that seem to touch the sky.

    During our visit, we will explore two significant landmarks in the village:

    -Convent of Our Lady of the Assumption (Saidet el Bishara):
    Constructed in 1767.
    The convent is a masterpiece of yellow-petro stone, featuring majestic, symmetrical, and grand arcades. In some areas, two or three arcades are stacked on top of each other, a rarity in Lebanon. The convent's importance and fame extend beyond its history and architectural beauty; it is also known for a miraculous event that occurred 250 years ago.

    -Deir Mar Semaan in Ain el Abou:
    A historical Maronite monastery with beautiful architecture. Visitors can purchase homemade food products and wine here.

    Our hike will be divided into two levels:

    LEVEL 3:
    We will begin by visiting Deir Mar Semaan and then ascend a short uphill track to reach a flat trail offering views of Kfarakab before reaching Marj.
    Once in the village, we will hike in the shade of a diverse array of trees, enjoying spectacular views.
    We will rendezvous with those on Level 6 at Marj for lunch.
    The length of this trail is approximately 8 km.

    LEVEL 6:
    We will visit Deir Saidet el Bishara in Zeraaya – Wadi el Karm, where the breathtaking architecture will captivate us.
    Then, we will ascend an uphill track to Kfarakab and continue to Marj to meet with those on Level 3 for lunch.
    The trail offers great views throughout.
    The length of this trail is approximately 13 km.

    Lunch will be prepared in a charming guesthouse in Baskinta.

    WHERE: Baskinta
    Metn
    1200m above sea level
    40 km from Beirut

    WHEN: Sunday, December 22

    MEETING PLACE: 7:30 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: 50$ per person including transport, guides, insurance and lunch.
    30$ without lunch
    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

    WHAT TO GET: 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 5$.
    - Children/ Teenagers between the age of 11 and 18 will have a discount of 4$.
    - University students will have a discount of 3$ 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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