Village-to-village walk on the 470 km Lebanon Mountain Trail in the mountains above Beirut, with local guesthouses.
The Lebanon Mountain Trail is a 470 km route running north to south through more than 75 towns and villages, developed and promoted by the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association, which encourages hikers to hire local guides and stay in village guesthouses. The section around Baskinta, about 1.5 hours from Beirut in the Metn mountains, is one of the closest to the capital. A Lebanon Traveler itinerary ends at the Hobeika guesthouse in Baskinta, whose owner is reported to guide walkers in the area, and the Mar Sassine Convent (phone 04 288030) in Baskinta is reported to host guests in simple rooms; neither contact was confirmed as current, so visitors should call ahead. Walkers can download a map and GPS file from lebanontrail.org, and an LMTA office visit has been reported for the same file. The trail is moderate and weather dependent, with snow in winter. Baskinta is not named in the UK advised-against areas as of August 2026, but conditions can change. In an emergency dial 112 or 140.
| Distance | Stage lengths vary; check the LMTA GPS file |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half day to full day per stage |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Taxi or hired car from Beirut to Baskinta, about 1.5 hours; guesthouse owners may help with local transfers |
| Best season | April-June and September-November |
| Address | Baskinta village, Metn, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Baskinta, Metn District, Mount Lebanon
What to bring
- Hiking boots
- Water (2 L)
- Offline GPS map
- Layers
Location
Baskinta village, Metn, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon
33.9928, 35.8564 View on map
Highlights
- Close-to-Beirut section of a national long-distance trail
- Village guesthouses and local guides
- Mountain scenery in the Metn
- GPS file downloadable from lebanontrail.org
Tips for visiting
- Call a guesthouse ahead; contacts are not confirmed.
- Download the GPS file before leaving Beirut.
- Avoid winter snow and summer midday heat.
- Hire a local guide for unmarked sections.
- Check government advice first.
When to visit
Spring and autumn.
Accessibility
Mountain paths with uneven ground; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lebanon Mountain Trail?
About 470 km across more than 75 towns and villages.
Where can walkers stay?
Village guesthouses such as those reported in Baskinta.
Is a guide needed?
Not required, but recommended for unmarked sections.
Is it close to Beirut?
About 1.5 hours by road.