FAQs
The Lebanon Mountain Trail is not always an easy trail. Some sections are easier than others, but if you are hiking the entire trail, you will experience both the easier, and the more difficult parts. Ascent / descent per day can be considerable, and the type of terrain which is most often old shepherds’ routes can be challenging.
That depends on the section, the shortest section is 9km long, and the longest around 25 km. Shortest time would be around 4 hours and the longest 7 to 8 hours, with breaks.
Thru-Hike 2023 is taking place in partnership with our partner ecotour operators, members of USEIL (The Union of Sustainable and Ecotourism Institutions in Lebanon). All of them are experts in the field and longstanding professionals with all the relevant certifications. Tour Operators have a tour leader, who will be accompanied each day by a local guide.
The LMT hike entails overnights at local guesthouses in each village that the trail crosses. Lodging is comfortable but not luxurious. Local dishes are served for dinner and breakfast, and hikers can pack their lunch from the dinner/breakfast leftovers.
Accommodation is offered in shared rooms with hikers from the same gender (double beds, single beds, bunker beds in few places). Single rooms can be allocated, upon availability, with a supplement. For those who enjoy sleeping under the stars the option is also available in some locations.
This varies greatly each year. 2023 is an average year in Lebanon and the mountains will be covered with snow likely until April. Average temperature at altitudes between 800 and 1,200 meters should range between 2 to 10 degrees at night, and 10 to 15 degrees in the day.
✓ Water flask (min. 1-2 ltr.)
✓ Lunch box (i.e. tupperware and the like)
✓ Hat
✓ Good hiking shoes and extra socks (new hiking shoes should be used several times before the expedition)
✓ Wind/ Rain Jacket (it may rain and snow in April)
✓ Trash bag
✓ Insect repellant
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Sunscreen
✓ First aid kit
✓ Walking poles
✓ Sleeping bag
✓ Head light
✓ Gaiters (some sections will be probably covered with snow and mud)
✓ Hand sanitizers, antiseptic wipes, and/or any type of sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol-based
Kindly note that we advise you to bring 2 or 3 different sizes properly lockable re-usable lunch boxes which fit into your hiking backpack & your appetite! Depending on each guesthouse, lunch will typically consist in bread, labneh, cheese, boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, vegetables, fruits, jam/honey and occasionally leftover delicious cooked food from dinner the night before.
Make sure you size your water bottles based on your water needs and preferences, potentially carrying 2 refillable ones with you We count on you to pack consciously in order to reduce unnecessary non-organic waste!
As much as you think you might need for the day hike. The rest of the luggage is transported from one guesthouse to the next with the support of tour operators and selected drivers.
Of course, and we encourage you to do so. Local artisanal products are available in almost every village. Tour operators can advise and direct you to the best places for shopping local products.
Tour operators are equipped with first aid kit and medication. In case of emergencies, they are also connected to the Red Cross, local hospitals and medical centers should the need occur for any such support.
All hikers are covered by LMTA insurance during the Hike on the LMT
Kindly click on the "Book Now" button on the home page, create an account and choose the days of choice.
You can book even one section only, as long as you sleepover the night before to avoid logistical and timing issues for the rest of the group.
$110 for Lebanese
$130 for Non-Lebanese
Full payment must be settled within 4 days from your online registration to the first joining Tour Operator Either by cash or money transfer, e.g. Western Union.
Period 1 (Days 1 to 11): LibanTrek; Mr. Michel Moufarege, +961 3 291 616
Period 2 (Days 12 to 21): 33North; Mr. Gilbert Mokheiber, +961 3 454 996
Period 3 (Days 22 to 30&31): Lebanese Adventure; Mr. Serge Soued, +961 3 214 989
As long as there are spaces left you can book yours anytime. We encourage early bookings as places will fill up quickly.
Unfortunately not for this year. Payments need to be done offline.
Cancellation after full payment is subject to a 50% refund only.
Cancellation 3 days before the participant’s scheduled hike, and in case of no show on the day of the hike, is subject to a 100% charge.
Free cancellation is only applicable within the first 3 days from online registration and in case of a force majeure (after discussion with the LMTA).
For reimbursement and or cancellation, please contact the LMTA office at info@lebanontrail.org.
Lebanon is currently in the midst of an unprecedented economic and financial crisis. It is also politically unstable although there is no conflict or significant threat to residents and visitors. There can be security flareups, occasionally violent street protests targeting banks or public institutes. We recommend that anyone traveling to Lebanon refers to their foreign office’s advise on Lebanon.
Yes, Tour Operators can provide such packages on demand. Let us know if you are interested by sending an email to info@lebanontrail.org and we will connect you.
There are no set packages, they can be tailor made on a case by case basis, depending on what you foresee for your trip.
If you are traveling to Lebanon before the LMT hike and want to spend time somewhere else before, we advise that you let us know so we can connect you to a Tour Operator.
It is best to book a taxi in advance, but depending on where you are going, also let us know to arrange transport and accommodation with the Tour Operators.
It is best that you pay for your trip on the LMT beforehand. It is possible to transfer money or pay via OMT or Whish.
You cannot use an international credit card while in Lebanon. You need to have cash with you and preferably exchange 70% of it into Lebanese pounds upon arrival. Keep the remaining 30% as some places accept US$ but not at the best rate.
You cannot withdraw cash with an international credit or debit card from an ATM in Lebanon due to the monetary situation. You should bring cash along, and exchange it while here.
Public transportation networks in Lebanon are very weak. There are bus services, although it would be preferable to either rent a car, or go around in taxis as the bus networks are rare and unreliable.
People generally speak English and/or Arabic, especially at accommodation / lodging outlets and other tourism facilities. It is however always preferable to be accompanied, given the current situation. You could for example be charged higher than the normal price if you are identified as a tourist.
Of course, you can hike the trail any time of the year, and can organize your hike with one of our partner Ecotour operators, or plan it alone by referring to the guesthouses and local guides listed on the LMTA’s website www.lebanontrail.org
The Fall Trek is a shorter two-week event, while the Thru-Hike that takes place in the Spring crosses the entire trail, during 30 days (29 hiking days and one rest day). Nature is very different – greener in the Spring. Also, the urge for hiking is stronger this Spring in particular – after the winter season, almost everybody’s excited for the great outdoors.
Liban Trek: www.libantrek.com
33 North: www.33-north.com
Lebanese Adventure: www.lebanese-adventure.com
No kids are allowed. Hikers must be 18 years old and above.
No pets are allowed.
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