From Helsben Valley to Zabboud via Beitweij

This hike starts from the heart of the Helsban Valley and follows a path where you can visit villages, a farm, tombs, and admire the beautiful surrounding landscapes.

Steps & Interest Points

Departure

The trail begins at Nabaa el Abiad (the White Spring), in the heart of the Helsban Valley. The ascent continues towards Beitweij (from "Beit el Wajeh," meaning "House of Fame"), a village located between Kobayat and Akkar el Atiqa.

Visit Beitweij

Once in Beitweij, we visit the neighborhood of Beit Gharib (the House of the Stranger) and the site of Mar Sarkis and Mar Bakhos, two adjacent chapels dating back to the 10th century. Each chapel faces the other but is slightly offset: one is oriented towards the east, as is traditionally the case for such buildings. One can notice a large oak tree visible on top of one of the chapel walls, which is devoid of a roof. A tomb is attached to the main facade, about 4 meters from the main entrance. The site also includes a well carved into the rock.

Saint Sarkis and Bakhos Church, Akkar el Atika

Superb views of Akkar el Atiqa

After Beitweij, the trail heads south and leads to a viewpoint overlooking Zabboud Farm. It then turns east and descends southwards to Chir En-Nemr (the Tiger's Rock), from where one can admire the entire village of Akkar el Atiqa.

Chir El Nemer

Exploring Zabboud Farm

Next, we reach a beautiful natural bridge overlooking Nabaa Zabboud (Zabboud Spring). The trail continues to Zabboud Farm, where you can meet the welcoming Hammoud family.

Visiting the Canaan Tombs

In the vicinity of Zabboud Farm, you can visit the Canaan Tombs, which have been carved into the mountain rocks and are protected by a central pillar and arches.

Canaanite Tombes

Zabboud's Farm

From Zabboud, returning to Helsban

After a break at Zabboud, the hike continues northward, then descends into the valley of Aïn ed-Delbé (the plane tree spring), located above Beit Gharib and Beitweij. From there, we return to Helsban along a final trail that winds between rocks, shaded by trees.

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