29 Mar 2024

Hiking Trip - Wadi Harba Hike - Batroun District


  • Our next hiking destination will be Wadi Harba in Batroun, a newly established trail in an area where ancient caves are being uncovered.

    Wadi Harba is the valley that separates Batroun from Jbeil. It stretches from the seashore at the Madfoun bridge to the Saint Joseph Monastery in Jrebta and the Elige hill in Kattara. This valley was once part of the Wheat Road that connected Jbeil to Baalbek, passing through Elige – Kattara. In the times of the apostles, Wadi Harba served as the first Christian habitat, and they traveled along the old Roman road on the sides of the valley. According to some accounts, the apostles even made temporary stops in this area. Christianity spread through the valley in the first century BC, leading to the construction of numerous churches, sanctuaries, monasteries, and hermitages. It became a favored destination for Christian pilgrims. Today, efforts are underway to restore ancient monuments and churches, reviving the region's status as a pilgrimage destination.

    During our hike, we will discover many ancient caves and abandoned houses. There will be two hiking levels: Level 3 and Level 5.

    Both levels will commence the hike together in Madfoun and ascend a gently sloping hill. On our way up, we will pause at a water spring known as the Mar Youhana Maroun spring. We will also pass by ancient stone-carved grottos and old churches before reaching Saint Rafka. At Saint Rafka Monastery, we will have the opportunity to purchase local products, and Level 3 will spend some time at this location.

    Meanwhile, Level 5 will continue their ascent to Saydet El Bzez Monastery, also known as Al Qattine Monastery, which is currently undergoing restoration. Level 3 will rejoin the rest of the hikers by bus at this location, and we will all return to Beirut together.

    WHERE: Wadi Harba - Batroun District
    50 km from Beirut,
    50m – 400m above sea level

    WHEN: Friday, March 29

    MEETING PLACE: 9:00 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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