Tarchich -Kneisseh -Bouarej - Remtaniyeh

We parked next to a closed store on Tarchich-Zahleh road. There's a sign that marks the start of the trail: "اكليل الجبل - Mountain's crown- picnic area". The beginning of the trail is not really pleasant because of an old quarry in the area. Soon we reached a telecommunications site. Just after this site, leave the trail and start climbing on the ridge. As you go higher, the sceneries become more and more stunning, having Metn towns on your right with their beautiful ponds, Bekaa valley on your left and Mount Sannine behind you. The climb is not particularly difficult and you will reach mount Kneisseh summit after a 4 km-walk and an ascent of less than 400 m. At the top, you can see the old building of Teleliban (Channel 11) that was destroyed by an air raid during the lebanese war in 1982. Take your time to enjoy the beautiful sceneries all around. Continue your walk and visit the roman ruins site not far from the summit. After this visit, you have many options to complete your loop. You can continue on the ridge all the way to Falougha (have a car on the other side for this option) or you can take the "couloir" to the west towards the lower trails of kfarselwan (check my other trails in the area for different options). This time, i decided to try another route to the East which i rate difficult for many hikers. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS DESCENT FOR BEGINNERS AND I RECOMMEND HAVING POLES FOR THIS PART. The descent starts from the site of roman ruins site towards Bouarej town in Bekaa. The descent is not easy and requires a good balance and your advanced hiking skills. The slope is steep at some parts and slippery at others. Take your time to arrive safely to a water reservoir above Bouarej town. Experienced hikers would love this descent and most of them won't find it really difficult. After this tricky part, you will get back on dirt trails without any difficulty. Now you will be walking while having Kneisseh massif on your left and the Bekaa valley on your right. Soon you will reach an area called "Remtaniyeh" land of "Vertical 33" winery (Family business). You should absolutely try this special wine. After a break here (or lunch), continue your way up north till your starting point. If you are hiking in summer, a sunny time will make your walk tougher especially from Bekaa side. You can get exhausted quickly by the hot weather. Start very early and have lot of water. Enjoy and don't forget to keep our Lebanon clean!