22 Nov 2024

Hiking Trip - Nahr El Jawz Hike - Batroun District

  • Nahr el Jawz Hike

    Nahr el Jawz (Walnut River) comes from the depths of the Lebanese mountains then turns southward and empties into the sea between Batroun and Hamath. The river itself comes from two springs bubbling up above Tannourine.

    The beauty of Nahr El Jawz is at its peak during spring. Grab this opportunity to witness nature in all its colors. The wild flowers are so colorful along the river bank, spreading red, purple, yellow and white sparkles all over the ground. The water at this time of year flows so vigorously that it fills the air with a loud splashing sound. You will be charmed by the trees along the river banks, above all by the walnut trees which grow in preference close to water and which have given the river their name.

    Years ago, Nahr El Jawz valley was the only possible way through which armies could reach Batroun. Most probably, our ancestors built the fortress of Msaylha situated at the center of the valley, to protect Batroun from enemy attacks.

    On February 24th, 1998, the Environment Minister listed Nahr el-Jawz as a National and Historic Heritage Site.

    The hike will be divided into two levels:
    LEVEL 5 will start from Ibrin. Then we will pass through a dense pine forest, heading to Rashkida. A descent to the river and a wonderful walk along its bank will include some adventurous passages along the border of the water canal. Afterwards, you will head to the bridge of Beksmayya. We will continue to Kaftoun then take the bus to Kfarhay.

    LEVEL 3 will be a fairly easy hike without any ascents. The trail is mostly flat. You will encounter some narrow passages along the water canal. You will start from the village of Beksmayya and head towards the river bank. It will be a beautiful walk along the bank until you reach the bridge of Beksmayya. There will be enough time for photo sessions and rest. After the hike, we will go by cars from Beksmayya to Kaftoun then Kfarhay.

    The Kaftoun monastery superbly established within the red limestone hollow cliff is in obvious contradiction with the majority of monasteries and convents in the Levant which are usually perched on top of hills or mountains. The monastery, dedicated to the mother of God, is managed by a group of about fifteen Greek-orthodox nuns, of the order of Our-Lady of Kaftoun (IX century). The monastery houses a priceless and unique double-faced Byzantine icon (1.11 meters in height and 80 centimeters in width) of hieratic style and dating from XI century. It contains inscriptions in the three languages: Arabic, Greek and Syriac.

    The hike will end in Deir Mar Youhanna Maroun in Kfarhay. It was built in the 7th century. The skull of Mar Maroun is guarded there. You will get the chance to see it. Also, in the monastery, there is a priceless museum of old books dated back to the 15th century. Besides these books, you will also see old clothing and ancient instruments.

    WHERE: Kaftoun – Baksmaya – Kfarhay
    In the region of Batroun
    60 km from Beirut
    500 m above sea level

    WHEN: Friday, November 22

    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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