01 Jun 2024

Hiking Trip - Baloua Baatara Douma - Batroun District

  • Balaa is renowned for its natural sinkhole, carved by water over 160 million years ago, plunging 250 meters deep. During winter and spring, a spectacular waterfall emerges, with water vapors ascending to the surface. The significance of Baloua Baatara extends beyond Lebanon's borders, featuring three separate natural bridges within its depths. This natural wonder is a must-see.

    Our hike will commence from Baloua, allowing ample time to admire this breathtaking site, capture photographs, and explore its surroundings.

    From there, you will ascend along a trail, embarking on a LEVEL 6 hike. The initial uphill climb is steep yet brief, transitioning into a downhill and flat terrain. The vistas are magnificent, offering panoramic views of Douma and its environs. En route, you'll traverse "Sikket el Sham," an ancient road linking Tripoli, Douma, Baalbeck, and Damascus, before concluding the hike in Douma.

    Level 3 participants, starting from Feghre to Douma, will follow an easy downhill trail.

    Douma, nestled in a valley encircled by mountains, is renowned for its red-brick houses and temperate climate, lauded by physicians as an ideal refuge. Its fertile ground nurtures a variety of flora, including olive, vine, and apple trees.

    Derived from Phoenician, Douma's name signifies "The quiet, peaceful, and restful." The town boasts ancient relics such as a 4th-century A.D. sarcophagus bearing a Greek inscription, believed to be the resting place of Castor, who passed away in 317 A.D. Additionally, remnants like millstones and oil presses hint at its late Roman or Byzantine origins.

    Stroll through this picturesque village, exploring the town square, before reuniting with the other group for a traditional lunch prepared by local artisans.

    WHERE: Baloua Baatara – Douma
    Batroun District
    1600 m above sea level
    75 km from Beirut

    WHEN: Saturday, June 01

    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: 55$ per person including transport, guides, insurance, reserve entrance and lunch.
    35$ 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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