Qemamine (832 m)- Qornet es sawda (3090 m)-Hermel (1870 m)- Ouyoun orghosh (2140 m)

Exceptional 2-days adventure with 33north team (Gilbert Moukheiber). This was a very tough unassisted trek from Qemamine village in Donniyeh (832 m) to Qornet es Sawda (3088 m) on Day 1 and to Ouyoun Orghoch via Hermel on Day2.

More than 2500 m of total ascent on the first day and around 24 km of rough terrain, while carrying a heavy backpack of 20 kg+ (Camping gear, food, winter clothes). We started at Qemamine village in Donniyeh at 4:30 am. The first climb till Maabour EL Ezer was tough (not the ideal warm-up!). Breathtaking sceneries all around (Hills, juniper trees, rocks, valleys…). After crossing the Donniyeh-Hermel road, another steep ascent (Around 700 m) was done to reach “Sahlit Qrassia”. From this point, you can see “Qornet es Sawda” very far! Here you continue what seems to be an endless ups and downs walk to reach the summit. By the time we reached the base of “Qornet es sawda”, it was already 7 pm, with a temperature of 2 deg C and a very cold wind. Full winter gear is a must! After a quick night photo session at the summit, we camped at 2930 m.
The second day was relatively easier with a long descent to Hermel plateau. Same beautiful sceneries all the way down. From Hermel plateau, we went south on a dirty long road and reached Nabe3 el chemali in Ouyoun Orghoch after a 500 m ascent.

Some important points to clarify here:

1- I am posting my adventures on wikiloc to share my outdoor activities generally and my beautiful Lebanon particularly. I am not a guide and I’m getting nothing from posting my trails. Anyone who wants to follow my trails, will do it on his own risk (This is the case of any trail we follow on wikiloc). Comments are welcomed to clarify things about this trail or any other.

2- Never overestimate your fitness level. This is a very tough adventure that demands a high level of mental and physical preparation.

3- Don’t do it on your own! I strongly recommend an experienced guide who knows the region very well. Some areas around Hermel are “protected” and “watched” so do not try to take any trail you find!