15 Dec 2018

Hiking Trip - Beit Chabab Hike! - Maten District

  • This event is a unique blend of hiking and cultural exploration. We will be visiting one of the most extensive and charming villages in Metn, the picturesque village of Beit Chabab.

    The name "Beit Chabab" has its roots in Syriac, signifying 'the house of the neighbor.' This village has preserved its traditional crafts of pottery and bell manufacturing, which have endured into the modern era.

    In Beit Chabab, you will find the sole bell factory in Lebanon. Skilled craftsmen use a single mold to cast half-ton bronze bells, typically ordered by Christian churches in Lebanon to achieve specific pitches. This age-old craft has been passed down through generations within the Naffaa family, and we will provide a detailed explanation of the manufacturing process.

    The village is home to a multitude of traditional houses and churches, with the oldest being Saydet el Ghabeh (Our Lady of the Forest), dating back to 1761.

    Dima, the oldest and most renowned fabric factory that used to supply the local market and export its products, is now considered a tourist attraction and is registered with the Ministry of Tourism. Visiting this traditional craft is essential.

    Our hike in Beit Chabab will take us to several points of interest, including the 'Maswal' (a large stone pool where pottery mud is soaked and cleared of pebbles), an abandoned textile factory from the time of the Turks, and the hermitage of St. Roukoz.

    This one-level hike covers approximately 10 km and offers a moderate level of difficulty. We will explore the extensive forests of Beit Chabab and the neighboring village of Mar Boutros, encountering breathtaking views amid nature. You will encounter a muddy section that adds a touch of adventure to the hike, along with some stretches of roads and stony staircases.

    Our tour of this village is a one-of-a-kind experience. You will be astounded by its rich craftsmanship, typical Lebanese houses, old abandoned dwellings, and vast forests.

    This hike serves as a fusion of cultural exploration, a beautiful journey through nature, and an exploration of old houses and narrow stone staircases.

    WHERE: Beit Chabab
    In the region of Metn
    24 Km from Beirut
    650 meters above sea level.

    WHEN: Tuesday, December 26

    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: 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
Reserve for this Event
First Name  
Last Name  
Email    
Cell #    
Remarks
(Optional)