Hike from Aito to Deir Hamatoura – Kousba

This amazing trail will be from Mar Semaan Monastery in Ayto, where Saint Rafqa spends 27 years of her life serving the monastery, then to Hamatoura Monastery through a downhill trail full of pine trees, and finally to the river of Kadisha.

HIKE LOCATION : Hamatoura/Kousba/Amioun /In the north
============ 750 – 1000 meters above sea level / 84 km from Beirut

ENCOUNTER PLACE : Saint Abda Church parking facing the New-bridge, Jal
=============== El Dib @ 7:30 AM
Driving directions to Saint Abda Church: https://www.google.com/…/Saint+Abda+Church+-+Jal+El+Dib
Or Martyrs Square at Al-Nahar Bldg., Beirut Downtown @ 7:10 AM

FEES:
====
18 $ /person or equivalent including transport (comfortable air-conditioned Pullman), professional guides, 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 20% discount (15 $ per person).
Optional transportation by your own vehicle 12$/person

DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT:
======================

This hike in Kousba is diversified; you will get the chance to walk along the mountain cliff overlooking the holly valley of Kadisha and the river bank.
The track is not hard, there will be no ascents in the trail. It will be nice to contemplate views at this altitude.
The town of Aito has some old ruins, such as an old tower and a temple. Above the temple stands the Monastery of Saint Simon (Al Amoudi) indicating that this land was a Phoenician place of worship.

HIKING LEVEL: 1 to 3 for easy, 4 to 6 for intermediate, 7 to 9 for strenuous
Our hike will be divided into 2 levels:

LEVEL 5 intermediate level (13.5 Km approx.) will start from Deir Mar Semaan. There, you can take your time and visit the monastery, as well as St. Rafqa hermitage and museum. The first part of the trail will all be in a huge pine forest. The second part will be on the side of the deep valley of Qadisha which will lead us to Deir Hamatoura. To get to the bus, we will use the old stairs of the Monastery to get down. This abbey is the “Guardian of the City”. It is built on rocks overlooking great views. The church is the most ancient part, dating back to the 4th century.

LEVEL 4 (Approx. 6 Km) From Ayto village to Karm Saddeh, it will be an easy walk: the first part is downhill, and the next one is beside the river at Deir Hamatoura. In this hike, you will have many reasons to keep your cameras handy. From the moment you will start hiking until the moment you stop, there will be scenes that you want to cherish forever. The second part will begin in the valley by the Company of Electricity in Kousba (hydraulic electric power station). From there you will cross the river of Holy Valley and take an uphill stony staircase that will lead you to Hamatoura Monastery.

Greek Orthodox Monks will accommodate you and offer you an explanation about the convent’s history, lifestyle, and mission. You can support them by buying handmade foods and icons.

Once the visit is done, we will use the old stairs of the monastery to get down to Qadisha valley and have lunch by the river near the Company of Electricity in Kousba.
It will be a nice experience!

WHAT TO TAKE:
============

Healthy snacks that will boost your energy include dried fruits, lunch, water, a 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 00961-03 422 493 or WhatsApp mentioning your name, surname, and the event you wish to join us on.