23 Nov 2024

Hiking Trip - Ras El Metn Ksaibe St. Veronica Hike - Baabda District

  • Ras El Metn – Ksaibe Hike
    Discover Ras El Metn: A Hidden Gem in the Baabda District

    Nestled in the Baabda district, Ras El Metn is a charming Lebanese village that offers an exquisite setting. Perched atop a hill embraced by a lush pine forest, it provides breathtaking views of both the valleys and the sea, enhancing its natural beauty and allure.

    Ras El Metn is notable for being the birthplace of a prominent modern figure in Lebanon. Writer Anis Freiha once eloquently remarked, "In Lebanon, there is a sacred mountain, the summit of which may be the most beautiful peak of God on earth, which is my village Ras El Metn." He poetically described his village as a peninsula surrounded by two deep valleys, emphasizing its geographical isolation from the outside world.

    Designated as a "Summer Tourism Town" by the Ministry of Tourism, Ras El Metn warmly invites visitors to experience its charming atmosphere. Our hiking journey will begin in this picturesque village, where we will explore the Government House, built by the Lamaeyeen princes in 1775. Despite the scars left by Lebanon's recent conflicts, the elegance of the building's courtyard, bell tower, and traditional Lebanese architecture remains vibrant.

    From the fragrant embrace of pine trees to the enticing aroma of carob molasses, our hike will lead us to Ksaibe village, celebrated as the "capital of carob molasses" in southern Mount Lebanon. The villagers proudly maintain the tradition of molasses production, positioning themselves as leaders in quality within Lebanon. A visit to a local carob mill will offer insight into this artisanal process, and you'll have the chance to purchase freshly made syrup.

    Our path will then take us to the Sanctuary of St. Veronica Giuliani in Ksaibe, inaugurated in July 2016. This saint has made her presence known in Lebanon through miraculous events, marking the first time in 300 years since her passing that her veneration has extended beyond Italy’s borders.

    During our journey, we will split into two levels: Level 3, covering approximately 7 km, and Level 5, which spans about 11 km. Join us for this unforgettable exploration of Ras El Metn and its enchanting surroundings!

    WHERE: Ras El Metn / Ksaibe
    Mount Lebanon / Baabda district
    800 m above sea level
    30 km from Beirut

    WHEN: Saturday, November 23

    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: $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:
    - “LIA Assurex” is the exclusive insurance company sponsor of Vamos Todos.

    Regards,
    Vamos Todos
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