Northern Lebanon uniquely blends the outdoors with extensive historical and cultural attractions. With the country’s highest mountain, Qornet es-Sawda (3,090m), as well as the highest ski resort, The Cedars, this region offers a rocky, rugged terrain that makes Lebanon unique in the Middle East. At the far northern end of the Mt. Lebanon range, the Akkar region is the most remote area of the country, housing traditional villages and beautiful scenery. Throughout northern Lebanon, mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, caving, and other outdoor opportunities abound.
In the heart of northern Lebanon are some of the country’s most unique and sacred religious sites, making the region a spiritual –as well as natural – haven. The Holy Qadisha Valley has been a place of refuge for those fleeing religious persecution since the 5th century. As the seat of the Maronite Church (a Catholic sect established in Lebanon in the 6th century AD), the Valley houses some of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world. The Qadisha’s ancient, rock-cut monasteries are a destination for those seeking pilgrimage and retreat.
Tripoli, now Lebanon’s second largest city, faced its share of drama through the ages. Inhabited since the 14th century BC, it was ruled sequentially by the Persians, Alexander the Great’s successors, the Romans, Mamluk Muslims, and Turkish Ottomans. As a result, the city is filled with history, including mosques, Turkish baths, a crusader castle , and restored souqs (traditional market places).
What to see and do in North Lebanon:
- See Lebanon’s second largest city, Tripoli, and search for unique traditional crafts in its labyrinthine souqs.
· Visit the birthplace and tomb of Lebanon’s revered mystic poet and artist, Khalil Gibran, in the picturesque town of Bcharre, and walk through this traditional, red-roofed, mountain village overlooking the Qadisha Valley.
- Hike along a rippling river through the lush, cool Qadisha Valley to visit the ancient rock-cut monasteries clinging precipitously to the steep, rocky cliffs.
- Marvel at the size and majesty of Lebanon’s 1,000-year-old Cedar trees at the Arz Ar Rab (near Bcharre) or the Tannourine Reserve.
- Climb Lebanon’s tallest mountain, Qornet es-Sawda (3,090m), and take to the slopes at the country’s highest ski resort, The Cedars.
- Grab a boat to Palm Islands Nature Reserve to watch birds (some 300 species during migratory seasons), endangered sea turtles, and other wildlife.
- Go caving or rappel deep into a rocky sinkhole in the mountains near Tannourine, Laqlouq, and Aqoura.
- Explore the dense forests and spectacular scenery and wildlife in the remote Akkar region on a multi-day hike.
[The Cedars] [Tripoli]