Private Hiking in Shouf Mountains: Lebanese Cedar Forest Day Trip

A morning walking through the densest cedar forest in Lebanon at high elevation.

A private hiking day trip from Beirut to the Shouf Mountains takes you through the Maaser el Shouf cedar forest with a local mountain guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a choice of soft, moderate or advanced routes. The hike lasts around three hours inside the protected forest, with panoramic views across the Bekaa Valley and Mount Lebanon. A professional mountain rescue team is on standby, and you return to your hotel around 5 p.m.

The experience

How do you get to Lebanon's most prestigious cedar forest without arranging your own transport up the mountain? Hotel pickup handles the drive (roughly 90 minutes through Mount Lebanon to reach the peaks at 1,800 meters), and a local mountain guide meets you at the trailhead to go over safety, check your gear and walk you through the route. You choose the pace: soft, moderate or advanced. The forest itself is what draws people here: dense, high-altitude cedars with wildlife, and views that stretch across the Bekaa Valley to the west and Mount Lebanon province to the east.

The hike runs around three hours, though you can ask to shorten or extend it. You'll need hiking shoes, sticks, a hat and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water, a snack, sunscreen and tissues. A professional mountain rescue team is stationed in the area in case of injury. After the walk, you head back to the starting point for tea, coffee or local honey and jam before stopping in the village for food and drinks, then the drive back to Beirut.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Beirut.
• air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
• local mountain guide in English, French or Arabic.
• all park fees and taxes.
• live commentary during the drive.
• tea or coffee at the forest's base.
• access to local honey and traditional jam for purchase.
• professional mountain rescue team on standby.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (7 to 90 years) · Child (under 7)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by DAVE LEBANON DMC

Is this one for you?The moderate hike takes three hours of steady walking at high altitude, so you need a reasonable level of fitness and comfort with mountain terrain. If you prefer a gentler pace or want to skip the physical exertion, the soft route is an option. If you're an experienced hiker, the advanced route goes deeper into the forest.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 7).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the actual hiking time inside the cedar forest?

The hike inside the Maaser el Shouf forest runs around three hours on average, though you can request a shorter or longer walk depending on your pace and fitness level.

Can I choose how difficult the hike is?

Yes. You pick from soft, moderate or advanced routes, and the guide customizes the walk to match your choice and fitness level.

What's included in the pickup from Beirut?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with the air-conditioned vehicle, driver, local guide, all fees and taxes, and live commentary during the drive.

What should I bring or wear for the hike?

Wear hiking shoes, bring a hat, appropriate clothing for mountain weather, and pack water, a snack, sunscreen and tissues. Hiking sticks and a backpack are recommended. The guide can advise on weather-specific gear before you start.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is optional and available at checkout. After the hike, you stop in the local village for food and drinks, and can purchase local honey and jam at the forest's starting point.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The tour may be cancelled in severe weather conditions. Dress appropriately for the forecast, and the guide will assess conditions on the day.