Boukaat Loubnan Trail: North-Beqaa Trail - Marjhine To Brissa

This section starts from above the Marjhine plain in Jroud El Hermel from Ras Akabet Al Sharbine, where swathes of waving green offer a haven for shepherds and their flocks. The trail follows an ancient route known as the high peak route that used to connect Akkar mountains to those of the Beqaa. The trail reaches the Shrine of Ali el Tawil, a venerable holy man for the Muslim Shiaa. From Ali el Tawil, the trail starts descending towards the village of Brissa through scenic juniper trees. Once in Brissa, do not miss visiting ancient ruins dating from the Byzantine era. Brissa is also known to hold the world's biggest Neo Babylonean inscription from the era of the king Nabuchednesszar II (605BC–562 BC). At the time of king Nabuchednesszar II, the cedar forests of northern Lebanon were widely exploited and used in the palaces and temples of Babylon. The inscriptions in the village of Brissa tell this story. The trail ends at the inscriptions. From that point, follow the main road through the valley ending at the ancient ruins inside the village.

More information on Boukaat Loubnan Trail website.

Trail Highlight

When you take this specific path in Marjhine, you will be walking in the area that used to serve as a summer gateaway for Gebran Khalil Gebran and his family. Furthermore, this section offers views like no other place. As hikers walk, they will be rewarded with views from the Marjhine plain, Qurnet Al-Ashra, or the highest peak in Danniyeh, and Mount Ourouba, or the highest peak in the Akkar distrcit, which hikers can climb from this section. This part can be snowshoed in the winter season. Overall, it harbors many highlights like big juniper trees and the inscriptions and ruins of Brissa. Furthermore, this section connects hikers to the Lebanon Mountain Trail section number one going from Koubayat to Tachee. Once in Hermel, it is worth extending the stay to visit the Brissa Babylonean inscriptions, Qamouu el Hermel, and St. Maroun Church on the Assi river. You can also venture into a rafting activity and enjoy fresh trout fish. This section should be hiked with local guides from the Hermel region. Interested hikers should call Boukaat Loubnan Trails Team to have a local guide accompany them.