Maqam El Rab temple (معبد مقام الرب)- Jaalouk river - Menjiz (منجز) - Horsh el aswad (الحرش الاسود) - Saydit el Qalaa monastery

Akkar end of year weekend, Day 3/3 (31/12/23)
This is the third day of a long weekend with 33 North (Gilbert Moukheiber 03454996) in collaboration with two amazing local guides from Qobayat (Zeina) and Andqet (Khalil). I highly recommend you contact Gilbert to get more info about these hikes or to get the contacts of trusted local guides in the area. These beautiful hikes are close to the lebanese-syrian north borders and it's highly advisable to hike with guides from the region. Akkar is a true heaven for hikers. Its only problem is being relatively far from Beirut. This is why it's recommended to spend at least 2 days there to get the best of your trip.
This fantastic hike is the best way to end the year in beauty! It is part of the LMT network trails. It is a mix between a river walk, a village walk and a forest walk. What's impressive is that you will be walking next to the lebanese northern borders. The syrian villages will be on the hill facing your trail leading to Saydit el Qalaa monastery. This trail was not safe during the syrian war.
We started from Maqam el Rab roman temple and made our way down to Jaalouk river. The walk next to the river is amazing with some of the most beautiful sceneries. Note that the walk here is almost impossible during winter and early spring when the level of water will certainly cover the trail next to the river. Many waterfalls are on your way. Watch you steps and have some good anti-slip hiking shoes. After the river walk, you will reach the paved road of Menjiz. Enjoy the beautiful village walk, and do not forget to visit the megalithic tombs next to the road. Once you leave the village to start the real border walk, get prepared to the most thrilling experience. You will clearly see the long southern river that separates Lebanon from Syria. Lebanese and syrian villages are seen from each side of the river. This area wasn't safe at all during the syrian war. On your way, there is an area called "el horsh el aswad" where you will hike in a dense area of trees and beautifully shaped rocks. The trail continues all the way to Saydet el Qalaa monastery, where you can find a lebanese army watch post.