Jabal Moussa Official Full Loop: 2 days itinerary with visits to the Cross and Qornet el Mzar

If you're a hiking enthusiast and nature lover, the Jabal Moussa loop is a must-do hike! The loop can be completed in one day, taking around 10 hours, but we decided to stretch the experience over two days, with a stay in the guesthouse in Iibre.

For more details about each trail, visit the amazing website of Jabal Moussa (jabalmoussa.org). It's recommended to book your visit through the website, as well as the B&B. We started from the Qehmez entrance (Baydar el Chok) and walked the loop counterclockwise, but starting from Nahr el Dahab entrance is also a good option.

Day 1: Trails 1-15-14

From Qehmez entrance to the start of the "Peony Trail": this is a common part of Trails 2 (Qornet el Mzaar Trail) and 3 (El Byout Stroll). It involves a moderate 70m ascent and will be a final descent after closing the loop.

The Peony Trail (#1): This trail involves a descent that ends at an old quarry, where you can exit to the main road.

Trail of the Violets (#15): This trail involves a moderate uphill climb, followed by an easy downhill walk to Broqta. Before reaching Broqta entrance, take a left to Trail 14.

Adonis Gorge Trail (#14): This trail involves a moderate uphill climb, followed by a steep descent passing by charcoaling spots. If you plan to complete the loop in one day, don't continue to Ibri village and take Trail 10 to the left at the intersection instead. However, if you're doing it over two days, continue Trail 14 to Ibri village. You'll reach the Rita Keyrouz Guesthouse (B&B). Be sure to contact the Jabal Moussa administration to book in advance (or through the website). The guesthouse is a small, authentic accommodation where you can experience living in the small village of Ibri.

Day 2: Trails 10-8-7-6-2

From the Rita Keyrouz Guesthouse, take Trail 14 upward to reach the intersection of Trails 14 and 10. From there, take Trail 10.

El Jalseh Trail (#10): This is a beautiful walk with scenic views of Adonis valley. The trail is mainly flat with an easy descent, and it ends at Mar Geryes convent in Yahchouch.

Shepherds Encounter (#8): This trail involves mild ups and downs and leads to Nahr el Dahab entrance. Do not exit here, and do not cross the wooden bridge. At the entrance intersection, take Trail 7, going up to the old houses.

Cerris Trail (#7): This trail involves a physically demanding ascent of around 450m. It's a very beautiful part in the heart of the forest. At the beginning of the trail, you'll see rocks on your right, and if you're lucky enough, you may even see a rock hyrax (the famous Tabsoun). This trail intersects with Trail #6 (Hadrian's Incline), which goes from Mcheti to the Old Houses. Once you reach the intersection, go left.

Part of Hadrian's Incline (#6): This leads to the old houses.

Part of Charme houblon trail (#9): from the old houses to the intersection with trail Nb 2 (just before reaching Yahchouch Cross). Once you reach the intersection with Trail 2, you can take a short detour to visit Yahchouch Cross before continuing on Trail 2.

Qornet el Mzaar trail (#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.

Overall, the Jabal Moussa loop is an incredible experience that is a must-do for all hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is possible to complete the loop in one day, but we opted to take two days and stay at the Rita Keyrouz Guesthouse in Ibri. The guesthouse is a small and authentic guesthouse where you can experience life in the small village of Ibri. To ensure a spot, be sure to contact the Jabal Moussa administration to book in advance (or through the website).

We hiked this loop in rainy weather, but it was still doable with the right gear. However, a good weather day would be more pleasurable. Remember to book your visit and B&B through the Jabal Moussa website. Enjoy and #HikeWhileYouCan !