Track 109: Hâret Jandal - Awali River - Bisri Valley - Mokhtara

The hike starts in Haret Jandal, on dirt roads, all the way down the valley till you reach the Awali River.
Pleasant walk among agricultural lands, you pass by an old bridge over a stream, a beautiful waterfall and some nice views over the Bisri Valley.
On the other side of the river you can see the high Imad's Rock.
At 2.8 km from starting point, you will see a "No Entry" sign. The land has a fence but the door is open. Usually, I respect the private places but I don't know why this time I didn't, maybe because of the high sound of the water coming from there. I was pretty sure I would find a waterfall. I entered and for my surprise it was a whole new thing. Very beautiful place, wild and exotic.
I wouldn't miss it and will definitely go in everytime I am in the area. If you pass the small wooden bridge you can continue your hike and get to Mokhtara.
I chose to go back and continue my descent to Awali River.
I would recommend you to have your swimming suite and enjoy the cold water for a while.
At 4 km from the start, you will get to an old Ottoman bridge that you can cross and get to the left side of the river.
I wanted to expend my hike and get more into the awesome Bisri Valley.
I knew there where no other bridges to cross to the other side, but I took the risk.
At 5.5 km from the starting point you will have the chance to cross but you have to get wet till your knees.
It was really great and very refreshing.
I once did the Bisri area (Track 03) and Mokhtara (Track 18). This time I wanted to join them both in one track, one loop and try not to use the same road more than once.
We stayed along the river till we arrived to a 3 choices' cross road at 7.7 km from the start.
You can take your left and go uphill till you reach Imad's Rock (I didn't go there this time) visit the waterfall (very recommended) and then you take your right and continue your hike.
At 9.5 km from the start, we saw some bungalows and from there the trail starts to be hard to follow. I guess the high level of the water in this period and due to the huge quantity of precipitation that we had this year the trail by the river isn't usable anymore.
At 9.8 km I couldn't continue anymore on the left side of the river.
I had 2 choices:
1- Cross the river near the bungalows and Try to see if I can continue on the right side of the river. It was a bit risky and I didn't have much time anymore.
2- Go up the mountain and bypass the tricky area till I reach the next bridge.
I took option 2 and started my ascent (100m). It wasn't that hard but once you are up, the trail is not that obvious and full of thorny bushes. It stayed like this for the next 1.6 km till I reached a cliff, managed my way down and took the dirt road again till the river.
At that point, I reached the Mokhtara - Track 18 - and continued on the trail passing by beautiful old Mills and bridges.
Once at Mokhatar. You should pass by "Berket ElArous" (Bride's Pond), enjoy the place and the waterfalls, then continue on the dirt roads till you close the loop and reach the car.
I didn't expect to walk that much but we were determined to do it, and we did.
It was very satisfying, awesome in all means and very very recommended.
I would say it is a moderate hike and if you are a frequent hiker, this one should be on your top to walk list.

Enjoy and keep it clean !!!