Maasser el Chouf - Batloun - Boutmeh - Mokhtara - Mazraat el Shouf (Imad's rock) - Haret Jandal - Baadaran - Khraibat

Backpacking and camping weekend in Shouf biosphere reserve. We started from the "Park house" which is the house of the "Shouf biosphere reserve association" in Maasser el Shouf. We went up north first before going west reaching the valley. The valley trail is mostly next to a water canal. Some parts are narrow and need attention especially if you are having a large backpack. Do not miss the intersection where you have to go down to the right (we continued straight first missing the intersection). Some helping ropes are attached to assist the descent (Check waypoints). You will reach "Mokhtara" after a 14 km-walk. From Mokhtara, continue on the " Barouk river valley trail", a beautiful blazed section. Sceneries are beautiful but they are certainly more beautiful in winter and spring when the rivers waters are abundant. We reached "Haret Jandal" valley after sunset and we had to continue our way with headlamps. Some parts are tricky and the descent with heavy backpacks is not friendly at all! Do not hesitate to take off your backpacks and pass them down to your friends if needed. We continued our way in the valley crossing the river. Our objective was to reach the famous "Imad's rock" in Mazraat el Shouf via the well-maintained roman stairs. This rock is known as Imad's rock because of a nice guy called Imad is living there in a big tent with his dogs and cats. He is a very helpful man and he will let you pitch your tents nearby. After a well spent night, we had a stunning view of " Marj Bisri" in the morning. We went back on the same route to "Haret Jandal " valley then up to the village. After a walk in the village, we caught a pleasant trail that goes up to Baadaran (Ain el Sayfiyyeh trail). We reached first "Baadaran airport" before entering the village. Another stunning trail connects Baadaran to Khraibeh with no technical difficulty. The last section from Khraibeh to the starting point is mainly on dirt roads. This big loop was done in 2 days. You can walk any section if you don't want to make the full loop. Enjoy Lebanon's beauty and keep it clean.