Jabal Moussa Biosphere: Mchété-Qehmez-Qornet L Mzaar-Yahchouch Cross-Old Houses-Al iibri-Chouane lake-Mar Geryes-Nahr L Dehab

The Extreme / Grandé / full loop. Barmet El 3arous in Jabal Moussa :p
In this trail we decided to trek the maximum trails one can hike in a single loop. Passing by extremely difficult trails to form the most difficult loop. A great feeling of success afterward and u’ll be rewarded with a certificate from APJM “L’assosiation de Protection du Jabal Moussa” for accomplishing the full loop.
What makes this trail extremely difficult is the steep angles, either ascending or descending. Especially the part when descending to Chouene lake and mounting them back up. All trails are clear and no technical skills required. Have 3L of water minimum and u can refill at the yard right next to the church at iibri village (there’s a pipe with potable water) or at one of plenty other springs.
My advise to u to start from Nahr El Dehab entrance and head towards Qehmez and continue trekking the loop bcz this is a difficult ascending part and it wasnt a good idea to keep till the end.
We started ascending the Roman stairs path that dates back to decades BC which was used to connect Mchéte and Qehmez. Then we did a small loop to mainly visit Qornet L Mzaar (the peak/summit of Jabal Moussa at approx. 1600m ASL), Yahchouch cross and the old houses.
Later we headed via trails No. 1,15,14,13 and 12 to reach Lake Chouwan. In this section, an infinite steep slippery descent of 1000m. From 1400m ASL, passing by iibri village at 900m ASL and down to Chouene lake at 450m ASL which crushes u and enervate ur whole system. Have a sweet long break at the lake and refresh urself with its cold water. Later an unappetizing prospect of grueling vertical climb of approx. 600m. Then, merge to the right towards Mar Geryes above Assnawbar village and continue to Nahr Ed Dehab: this is an easy section.
The final section, back to Mchété was a difficult ascent.
Enjoy ur day in the virgin forest and observe plenty of Heritage and Natural sites, a wonderful diversity of Fauna and Flora and a breathtaking spectacular panoramas.