Lebanon is the Middle East’s most surprising hiking destination — a tiny country with remarkable topographic diversity, from Mediterranean coast to high Alpine snowfields within 50km. The Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT, 470km) runs the full length of the country through Christian, Druze and Muslim villages, ancient cedar forests, deep gorges and ski resort highlands. Lebanon’s hiking infrastructure has developed rapidly, and despite the country’s political complexities, the mountain areas offer some of the most culturally rich trekking in the Middle East.
- Mount Lebanon range — the main mountain chain; Qornet es Sawda (3,088m — Lebanon’s highest); Qadisha Valley (UNESCO World Heritage); the ancient Cedars of God
- Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) — 470km marked trail traversing the entire country north to south through 75 villages and all religious communities
- Anti-Lebanon Range / Mount Hermon (east) — border with Syria; politically sensitive; Mount Hermon (2,814m on Lebanese side)
- Shouf Biosphere Reserve — Lebanon’s largest nature reserve; ancient cedar forest reforestation project; excellent day hiking above Beiteddine
The LMT is free to walk independently — no permits, no fees. The Lebanon Mountain Trail Association (lmta.org.lb) publishes excellent printed maps and an app with GPS tracks for all 26 sections. Download everything before you go as mountain signal is variable.
- Mount Lebanon massif — limestone and dolomite; dramatic escarpments; cedar forest remnants at 2,000m; snow-covered December–April
- Qadisha Holy Valley — one of the world’s oldest inhabited valleys; sheer limestone cliffs; ancient hermit caves and monasteries carved into the rock face
- Cedars of God grove — ancient Cedrus libani trees (some 3,000+ years old); UNESCO; the national symbol
- Shouf highland plateau — semi-arid scrub transitioning to Mediterranean forest; different character from northern Lebanon
- LMT full trail — 26–30 days; 2,600m; walking through Lebanon’s entire religious and cultural mosaic from Qobayat to Marjayoun
- Qadisha Valley gorge walk — 1–2 days; 1,800m; ancient hermit monasteries and towering limestone walls; one of the Middle East’s great canyon walks
- Cedars of God day hike — half day; 2,000m; ancient cedar grove and the northern LMT sections
- Qornet es Sawda summit — 1 day; 3,088m; Lebanon’s highest point; good views to Cyprus on clear days
Check current security conditions before visiting Lebanon — the country has experienced significant instability including the 2024 conflict. The mountain areas of Mount Lebanon are generally the safest zone for tourism, but the overall country situation requires careful and current research before booking.
- Easy — Cedars day hike, Shouf lower trails, Faraya plateau walks
- Moderate — Qadisha Valley, individual LMT sections, Qornet es Sawda
- Long-distance — LMT full trail (26 sections over 26–30 days)
- No trekking permits required in Lebanon
- LMT Association (lmta.org.lb) maintains the trail — no registration required but their resources are essential
- Shouf Biosphere Reserve: small entry fee for some areas
- The Bekaa Valley border areas with Syria and southern Lebanese border zones — do not approach; these areas have active security concerns
The LMT walks through every religious community in Lebanon — Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Druze, Sunni, Shia — and the hospitality encountered from all communities is remarkable. This is one of the world’s great walks not just for scenery but for human encounter.
- Sun protection — Mediterranean sun is intense on exposed ridge sections; high-factor sunscreen essential
- Warm layers — Qornet es Sawda and higher sections can be cold with wind even in summer; snow possible October–May
- Water — carry at least 2 litres on any LMT section; water sources can be scarce on some ridge routes
- Cash (USD) — Lebanon has an unusual dual-currency economy; USD is the most practical currency for expenses
Emergency: 112 | Lebanese Red Cross: 140
- Lebanese Red Cross — well-organized and responsive in accessible areas
- Mountain rescue is improving in main trekking areas; slower in more remote LMT sections
- Always inform someone of your LMT section plans before departure
- Spring (March–May) — wildflowers; snow retreating from high passes; melt rivers full; ideal for most LMT sections
- Summer (June–September) — warm; high elevations pleasant; lower gorge sections hot
- Autumn (October–November) — excellent conditions; vibrant colors; stable weather; recommended
- Winter (December–February) — upper sections snowbound; lower LMT sections walkable; ski season at Mzaar and The Cedars
- Spring (April–June) — finest LMT season; wildflowers carpet the highlands; cedar forest vivid; comfortable temperatures
- September–October — excellent alternative: clear skies; fewer people; autumn colors developing
- July–August — warm but busy; good for upper elevation sections; lower gorge walks can be very hot
- Winter — lower LMT sections walkable; upper sections snowbound; ski season active
The Qadisha Valley in spring (April–May) is one of the Middle East’s great natural experiences — ancient hermit cave monasteries, flowering valley floor and towering limestone walls creating a landscape of extraordinary spiritual and natural beauty.
- Beirut (BEY / Rafic Hariri Airport) — only international airport; connections from most European and Middle Eastern hubs
- Mount Lebanon and LMT — taxi or rental car from Beirut (1–2hr to any highland trailhead)
- Cedars of God — 2.5hr drive from Beirut via Bcharre; no public transport to the upper cedar grove
- Qadisha Valley — accessible from Bcharre above or Bqaa Kafra from the valley floor
Renting a car in Beirut gives the most flexibility for LMT section hiking — you can drive to one end of a section, hike it, and arrange a taxi back to your car. The LMT Association website has detailed logistics advice for each of the 26 sections.
- Lebanon requires drone registration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Drones near military installations, government buildings and international borders (Syria) — strictly prohibited
- Southern Lebanon — absolutely prohibited; active military operations have been ongoing in this zone
- Beirut airspace — restricted near the international airport
Lebanon’s south has active military activity. The northern and mountain regions are generally safer but always verify the current political situation before bringing drone equipment to Lebanon. The consequences of drone use in sensitive zones are serious.
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