04 Nov 2018

Hiking Trip - Baakline - Chouf District

  • Baakline, an ideal destination for hikers and nature lover as it is located in the beautiful area of Shouf where outstanding forests and well preserved nature can be seen.

    Baakline is known for its unique national library containing a considerable number of information sources dating back to the Lebanese Republic history. The building was constructed in 1897 during the Ottoman Empire. It has been restored and inaugurated as a public library in 1987.

    The National Library in Baakline is a living testimony to the people's will to be free and grow to their rightful potential. Ironically, this current intellectual monument is housed in the same building, once called the Grand Serail, which jailed the minds and souls of countless creative Lebanese under the Ottoman rule. The Serail used to serve as the Headquarters for the Ottoman Governor.
    After such a nice cultural visit, we will start our hike.
    Our hike will be among trees and dense forests, until we reach the river. Along the way, we will see a natural pot-hole in the ground called “Houwwet Raidan”. It is 70 meters deep, with a very wide diameter.

    Our hike will be divided into 3 levels:

    LEVEL 2 will start from Baakline. You will see the Hamadeh Castle in the village, then continue to the beautiful forest and hike among trees. There will be sufficient time to take pictures and contemplate the breathtaking scenery. After spending enough time in the forest, you will take the bus to Baakline, see its landmarks and then wait for the other groups by the river. It is a scenic place by the waterfall and the tall trees, where you can have a relaxing time while waiting for the others arrive for lunch. Our lunch will take place in a wonderful area in Baakline surrounded by waterfalls and beautiful trees.

    LEVEL 4 will take the same path as Level 2 but will continue by foot to the river where lunch will take place.

    LEVEL 6 will start from Beit el Dine. We will have a quick visit of the castle before taking passing through the historical beautiful village of Deir el Kamar with its red roof houses until you reach Baakline where you will visit the Hamadeh castle. From there, we will take the same trail as the other levels to meet them at the restaurant.

    At lunch, we will sit altogether at the source of River Baakline. There is a nice village-style restaurant there. Those who wish can have lunch there. The others can sit near them and eat their own lunch.
    After lunch, there will be a short hike reaching the old Ottoman bridge of Gharifeh

    WHERE: Baakline
    In the region of Shouf
    45 Km from Beirut
    920 m above sea level

    WHEN: Saturday, April 15

    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: 35$ per person including transport, guides, insurance and lunch.
    20$ 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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