Jabal Moussa Official Full Loop

This is a must-do hike for all hiking lovers though it is physically demanding. I first did this loop in August 2018 (it figures in my trails list) before it was officially opened. At that time we started from "Nahr el Dahab" and we walked the loop clockwise. The trail wasn't fully marked yet especially from Ibri to Broqta. The GPS recording experienced some bugs. Since that time, lot of people walked the loop with many variations but the one I'm posting here is the official loop found on jabal moussa amazing website (www.jabalmoussa.org). Autumn is definitely the best season to do this loop! The colours are simply stunning and the weather is ideal. We started from Qehmez entrance (Baydar el Chok) and walked the loop counterclockwise. You can do it both ways and starting from Nahr el Dahab entrance is a good choice as well. I divide this trail in 9 parts:

1- From Qehmez entrance to the start of "Peony trail": this a common part of trails 2 (Qornet el Mzaar trail) and 3 (El Byout Stroll). Moderate 70m ascent. This part will a final descent after closing the loop.

2- The Peony Trail (Nb 1): a descent that ends at an old quarry where you can exit to the main road.

3- Trail of the violets (Nb 15): Moderate uphill first then easy downhill walk to Broqta. Before reaching Broqta entrance, go left to trail 14.

4- Adonis Gorge Trail (Nb 14): Moderate uphill then steep descent passing by charcoaling spots. Do not continue to Ibri village. Instead take the trail 10 to the left at the intersection.

5- El Jalseh trail (Nb 10): Beautiful walk with scenic views of Adonis valley. Mainly flat with easy descent. It ends a Mar Geryes convent in Yahchouch.

6- Shepherds encounter (Trail nb 8): mild ups and downs reaching Nahr el dahab entrance. Do not exit here. At the entrance intersection, take the trail 7 going up to the old houses.

7- Cerris trail (Trail 7): physically demanding ascent (around 450 m ascent). It's a very beautiful part in the heart of the forest. At the beginning of the trail, there will be rocks on your right and if you are lucky enough you will see rock hyrax (the famous Tabsoun). We saw 2 tabsoun running quickly. This trail intersects with trail nb 6 (Hadrian's incline) that goes from Mcheti to the Old houses. Once you reach the intersection, go left.

8- Part of Hadrian's incline (Trail nb 6): leading to the old houses

9- Part of Charme houblon trail (Nb 9): from the old houses to the intersection with trail Nb 2 (just before reaching Yahchouch Cross)

10- Qornet el Mzaar trail (Nb 2): beautiful wild part. A moderate ascent till you reach the base of Qornet el Mzaar, highest point in Jabal Moussa (1600 m). After an optional visit to the summit, you will continue all the way down on this trail to the starting point

You must consider 8 to 10 hours to finish this loop if you want to enjoy the sceneries while having few breaks. It is physically demanding and reserved for the experienced hikers. Beginners can split the loop in 2 with an overnight at Ibri or Ghbeleh.

Enjoy this amazing part of Lebanon and keep it clean.