NATURAL EXHILARATION IN THE SHOUF

The largest of Lebanon’s nature reserves, Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve stretches from Dahr Al Baidar in the north to Niha Mountain in the south. Blanketed with oak forests on its northeastern slopes and juniper and oak forests on its southeastern slopes, the reserve’s most famous attractions are its three magnificent cedar forests: Maasser el Shouf, Barouk and Ain Zhalta - Bmohray. Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is a popular destination for hiking and trekking, with trails matching all levels of fitness. In winter the landscape can be particularly stunning. Guides are available at the reserve, where you can also rent equipment for snowshoeing (05 350250, 05 350150; info@shoufcedar.org; shoufcedar.org)

SLEEP Beit Salim Al Achkar Baz Guesthouse Eid Guesthouse

Hotel Calmera

A number of guest houses are available, including in El Khreibe (03 354558), in Baadaran (03 702944), in Ain Zhalta (03 217299), while other (03 382940) and the both in Barouk. options include (03 630056),

Guesthouse EAT Nazih Houssam El

Tourist

Lebanese restaurants in the area offer a warm mountain ambiance with cozy fireplaces: (05 240540), (03 387228), (03 865143; 05 241666), and the in Barouk (03 630056).

Barouk Tourist

SEE Assaf Museum Baytna Al Mamlaka Shallalat Al

recently opened its doors in the village of Bossail close to Ain Zhalta. The museum is dedicated to the art of construction and sculpture, and is set amid beautiful gardens. (Contact Mansour Assaf 03 737528)