LMTA
LMTA

FAQs

How hard is hiking the LMT?

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.

How many hours of hike per day? What if we cannot do it all?

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.

Who guides the hike? Are they certified?

The LMTA 2023 Fall Trek will be jointly managed and operated by the LMTA and 33 North, member of USEIL (The Union of Sustainable and Ecotourism Institutions in Lebanon).

Gilbert Moukheiber (33 North) and Christian Akhrass (LMTA) are experts in the field and longstanding professionals with all the relevant certifications. 

Where do we sleep? What type of accommodation there is?

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.

How cold/hot it is, how should we dress up?

This varies greatly each year. 2023 is an average year in Lebanon. The weather can get chilly in October and November.

What would I pack for the trip?

✓ 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!

How much of our luggage do we carry on the trip?

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.

Can we buy some things locally?

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.

What if we get sick?

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.

What kind of insurance should we get to be covered during the hike?

All hikers are covered by LMTA insurance during the Hike on the LMT

How to book?

Kindly click on the "Book Now" button on the home page, create an account and choose the days of choice.

Can I book for some sections only?

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.

How much does it cost and how do we pay?

$110 for Lebanese
$130 for Non-Lebanese
$95 (Solidarity Tourism Rate) for Lebanese in need of a financial push

Full payment must be settled within 4 days from your online registration either by cash or money transfer, e.g. Western Union, OMT, Whish in U.S. dollars to any of the below:

 

Sawsan Haddad (LMTA) between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Office Number: +961 5 955 303/2
Whatsapp Number: +961 3 767 574
Email: info@lebanontrail.org
 

Gilbert Moukheiber (33North, member of USEIL).
Whatsapp Number: +961 3 454 996
  

Christian Akhrass (LMTA)
Whatsapp Number: +961 3 349 537

 

Charges to be borne by sender.

Until what time can we reserve?

As long as there are spaces left you can book yours anytime. We encourage early bookings as places will fill up quickly.

Can we pay online?

Unfortunately not for this year. Payments need to be done offline.

What is the cancellation policy?

  • Cancellation 20 days before the date of departure is subject to 25% charges
  • Cancellation within 20 days and before 7 days of the departure date is subject to 50% charges
  • NO REFUND for any cancellation within 7 days before the date of departure
  • NO REFUND for any cancellation or incompletion during the trek
  • For reimbursement and or cancellation, please contact the reservation officer on +(961) 3 912205

Is it safe to be traveling to Lebanon now?

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.

Are there packages available that include airport shuttle, accommodation and other touristic activities?

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.

If there are packages available, what are the options and costs?

There are no set packages, they can be tailor made on a case by case basis, depending on what you foresee for your trip.

How to get an accommodation before my hike?

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.

How to get a transportation to my accommodation from the airport?

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.

How to pay my expenses once in Lebanon (can I use my credit card)?

It is best that you pay for your trip on the LMT beforehand. It is possible to transfer money or pay via OMT, Western Union 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.

Can I withdraw money from an ATM?

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.

Are there public transportations I can use during my stay?

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.

Can we get by on our own for a few days after the hike if we can't speak the local language?

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.

Can we hike the trail outside the Fall Trek times?

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

On what basis should I make the decision to come in the Spring or in the Fall?

Nature is very different. The days get shorter, the weather gets cooler and Fall's beautiful colors start to pop on the LMT during the Fall Trek.

Can the LMTA recommend tour organizers/operators?

Liban Trek: www.libantrek.com

33 North: www.33-north.com 

Lebanese Adventure: www.lebanese-adventure.com

Are kids allowed?

No kids are allowed. Hikers must be 18 years old and above.

Are pets allowed?

No pets are allowed.

How do i get my 10% discount if I'm a member?

Inform us and we'll provide you with a promo code

What is the Solidarity Tourism Rate?

We understand that many resident Lebanese students are passing through difficult times, and so the LMTA has taken the initiative of introducing the “Solidarity Tourism Rate” suggested by USEIL 2 years ago and the LMTA will secure the funding for it. This will enable any resident Lebanese student between the ages of 18 and 25 unable to afford the basic rate to join us in this year's Fall Trek for $95 per day instead of the $110 basic daily rate.

 

Hikers who get the Solidarity Tourism Rate are allowed to join for a maximum of 3 days / 3 nights during weekdays in order to give a chance to other hikers.

 

In a true spirit of solidarity and by paying the full rates or even more, International hikers and resident Lebanese participants will be indirectly contributing in covering anonymously the subsidized price of the resident Lebanese students benefiting from the solidarity tourism rate.

How do I request the Solidarity Tourism Rate?

If you're a resident student, please send us an email to info@lebanontrail.org (before or after making your booking) with a brief justifier and a university ID.

What is the pace of the hike?

The hike is a group experience and the speed might differ from one hiker to another. Participants should respect and follow the pace set by the leader.