11 Nov 2023

Hiking Trip - Maaser El Chouf Hike - New Aquafina Trail - Chouf District

  • Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve: Explore the new Aquafina trail in the heart of the cedar reserve and get the chance to visit the Aquafina plant.

    Embark on a journey through the breathtaking Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, where nature and livelihoods seamlessly coexist. Stretching from Dahr Al-Baidar in the north to Niha Mountain in the south, this reserve is Lebanon's largest, encompassing a diverse range of landscapes.

    The reserve's crowning jewels are its four magnificent cedar forests: Maasser Al-Shouf, Barouk, Ain Zhalta – Bmohary, and Niha. These cedar forests are home to a quarter of Lebanon's remaining cedar trees, making them a vital part of our natural heritage.

    The Aquafina trail is a 3.85KM journey that begins at the Barouk entrance of the biosphere and ends at the Aquafina Plant.

    Our hiking experience offers two different levels: a moderate-plus level covering 8 kilometers, and a moderate-to-easy level covering approximately 4 kilometers.

    We'll kick off our hike at the captivating Barouk cedar forest, specifically at Makaad El Mir, where you'll be surrounded by the splendor of ancient trees. Here, you will traverse one of the world's oldest documented cedar forests. The moderate-plus level will commence the hike from Makaad El Mir, while the easy level will take the bus to start from another point.

    Both levels will follow the trail leading to the Aquafina Plant.

    The Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is home to Aquafina, where the pure water is sourced and bottled, free of pollutants and added substances. The Aquafina plant was built according to international standards to avoid any negative impact on the reserve. In order to achieve a net water positive, the facility operates by extracting water that has melted from snow, and water brought by rainfall to replenish the ponds in the Reserve.

    Following our hike, we will proceed to Ain Zhalta for a special Lebanese lunch prepared for us in a charming treehouse.

    Join us on this meaningful hike and become stewards of this extraordinary land.

    WHERE: Maaser el Chouf / Barouk Cedar Reserve
    Chouf region
    1500m to 2000m above sea level
    45 km from Beirut

    WHEN: Saturday, November 11

    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: 45$ per person including transport, guides, insurance, reserve entrance and lunch.
    30$ 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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