Bentael nature reserve hike

it’s the perfect time of the year to give and help drawing a smile on children faces.
So mark it on your calendar: this December 22, a charity event will take place and we will be hiking at Bentael – Mechhellene to support “Monks of the brothers and Nuns of the Sisters of Jesus crucified” in their mission.
“رهبان اخوة الصليب و راهبات أخوات يسوع المصلوب”
They are taking care of abandoned babies/new born found on their doors and every step, every backing will help them. They bear seeds of authentic faith, and live that faith through prayer and asceticism; they have led a committed community life of brotherly love deep rooted in individual prayers and work hard with their hands.
All the proceeds will go to the convent.

🚶 Hiking through the forest with cultural heritage and archeological sites!! And Christmas tour at Byblos.

HIKE LOCATION :

Kfarmashoun – Bentael /Jbeil / Mount Lebanon
=============== 300 to 850 meters above sea level.
8.5 km from Byblos.

WHEN :

Sunday, December 22, 2024
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ENCOUNTER PLACE :

Mar Maroun Church Parking, Dora @ 7:30 AM
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Driving directions to Mar Maroun https://dalecorazon.com/contact/
Or Martyrs Square at Al-Nahar Bldg., Beirut Downtown @ 7:10 AM

FEES:

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19 $ including 🚌 transport (comfortable air-conditioned Pullman), professional guides, local guide, 5 minutes of warming up, stretching, and pictures.
Children 18 years old and younger will have a discount of 10%. (17$/person)
Make your group of 5 persons (& more) and get a 10% discount (17$/ per person).
Optional transportation by your own 🚗 vehicles 15 $/person
There are 100.000 LL Extra Entrance fees to Bentael reserve.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT:

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We are thrilled to share with you this Christmas hike on Sun. the 22nd, where we will be visiting Bentael and Byblos followed by a Buche de Noel gathering celebrating the birth of Jesus where each one of the hikers is kindly asked to add a Christmas accessory of any sort to his/her outfit.
Bentael, in the Phoenician language means God’s home (Beit – EL). In fact, this village dates back to the Phoenician era. It stands royally on a harmonious set of hills at an average altitude of 500 meters over one of the most renowned and important historic capitals of culture the city of Byblos, this Phoenician city that bequeathed the alphabet to the world.
Foxes wander in its valleys and multicolored butterflies sip the delicious liquid of the flowers. Bentael is the first protected area which was developed by a non-government organization in 1981. The reserve is situated in the flight path of migratory hawks, eagles and other raptors and is enjoyed by bird enthusiasts, declared in 2008 as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

Will have the opportunity to get to know a great talented Lebanese artist JOSEPH TOUFIC MATAR. “His eyes embrace all, but he sees in depths beyond what his eyes see, perceiving what only the Spirit can perceive!”
You will visit his museum and studio during our hike.
HIKING LEVEL. 1 to 3 for easy, 4 to 6 for intermediate, 7 to 9 for strenuous

LEVEL 5 (Distance of 12 km – 4 Hrs approx.) is a combination of uphill, straight and downhill inclinations. You will start from the Reserve and pass though very tall trees glorifying God. You will also notice old hermitages carved in the rocks dating back for more than 1500 years “the St. John’s rock-cut” chapel. This 12th century dwelling is located at 8m above the ground and can be reached from the hiking trail. It is composed of three cavities. Researchers believe that the first one was used for habitation as a refuge in case of attack, the second shelter is the remains of St. John’s chapel, and the third is a water reservoir for approximately 2.5m deep and 2 m wide used to collect rain water. There are stone sculptures as well illustrating “the Sacrifice in the Phoenician Culture” from around 1500 B.C. You will visit the museum of Mr. Joseph Mattar and if we were lucky, we may meet him and talk to him about his artworks. Afterwards you will walk back to Kfarmashoun in a long amazing trail and you will have enough time to contemplate those incredible sceneries and take a lot of photos.

LEVEL 3 will take an easier track, after visiting the attractive spot overlooking magnificent mountains views, the bird watching tower of the reserve. You will have some rest, take as many photos as you wish and then continue the hike in the reserve of Bentael with level 5, admiring old hermitages, dense pine forests and great views. Lunch will be outside the reserve.

On our way back to Beirut, you will pass by Byblos to visit Christmas tree and Roman ruins around it. It is a great place to end the hike.
Bentael’s hike is not just a hike in a very beautiful nature, along old sites, pine trees, and breathtaking views; It is a cultural tour as well.

WHAT TO TAKE:

Healthy snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits, lunch, water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Wear comfortable walking shoes (A professional brand is recommended) and don’t forget to get a light jacket. DC members get a 20% discount on sports equipment in Sports 4 Ever branches.
==There will be a breakfast stop along the way==

FOR RESERVATION AND INFO:

Please Call 03 422 493 and by sending SMS, or WhatsApp mentions your name, surname and the event you wish to join us on.