Sea to summit Lebanon Part 2: Bhairet Toula - Ehden - Qornet es Sawda (3088 m)

63 km/ 4500 total ascent/ 25 hours total time

This is the "first Sea to summit Lebanon", accomplished on June 12th 2021 at 7h30 am, from Sea level (0 m) to Qornet es Sawda (3088 m), the highest point in Lebanon and the Levant. Continuous trekking from sea level (North marina/Manara resort near Tripoli), going from village to village till the summit. The following villages are on this route: Ras Masqa, Dahr el Eine, Bkeftine, Kfarhaoura, Kfarzayna, Jdeide, Kfaryachit, Marh Kfarsghab, Hmais (Miziara), MartMoura, Mazraat el Teffeh, Aslout, Bhairet Toula and Ehden. This is probably the shortest route from the sea to the summit. Some shortcuts can make it shorter but the overall route should be the same. Doing it in summer will definitely make it even shorter (around 57 km), taking the "conventional" route without snow. It wasn't a time trial, nor a challenge but we were the first to make a full non-stop hike from sea (literally) to the summit. We did all the logistics. Unsupported, unassisted, we made our way to the top. We just wanted to show the beautiful side of our Lebanon. Most of our trek was on amazing trails connecting beautiful lebanese villages. It took me about a year to explore sections, finding the best route to the top. This route can be navigated by multi-days trekkers who can do overnights in any village on the way, and can start and finish at any point (the same spirit of LMT). A short road walk at the beginning was inevitable but as soon as you reach Bkeftine, the connecting trails will lead you to the summit. We had a tasty saj breakfast at Kfarzayna and we enjoyed walking in Koura Olive trees fields. The section from Mrah Kfarsghab to Hmais is one of the most beautiful sections of this trek. I highly recommend it as a one-day hike. Many fountains are on the way (check waypoints). 2 liters of water are enough except from Ehden to Qornet es Sawda where at least 3 liters are recommended. The section from MartMoura to Mazraat el Teffah includes some narrow passages but they are not risky. We reached Ehden around 6h30 pm and we had dinner at "La reserve Ehden" before hitting the trail again towards Qornet es Sawda. Night walk in Ehden reserve followed by an "endless" jerd walk following the dirt road. From 12 km before the summit, heavy snow and ice were blocking the route at many points and we had to make our way around snow to get back on trail. This added a lot to fatigue, distance and total elevation. Getting closer to Qornet, the sunrise made things easier and we began to see clearer. Huge blocks of snow were blocking the Qornet route. We had to climb off-trail from summit to summit to reach Qornet es Sawda. Strong winds on the top. Sleep deprivation, fatigue, dehydration and snow blocks made this journey a very tough experience. Never try it if you are not well prepared (physically and mentally). I'm glad to share the first real sea to summit Lebanon. GPS recordings were not accurate all the time, which caused an underestimation of total elevation. Stats were taken from my garmin connect app linked to my garmin fenix6 watch. Many parts of this trail will be posted soon with more details and more accuracy (parts of my preparation to this sea to summit).Check "Ehden- Qornet es Sawda", "Ehden- Bahiret Toula - Hmais" and "Mrah Kfarsghab - Hmais" trails for more details about these sections. Modifications are welcomed by any friend of the outdoors community! Keep hiking and keep showing the beauty of Lebanon. Lebanon will rise again!