If you are currently planning a Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit that goes far beyond the typical Mediterranean beach scene, let me introduce you to one of the most spiritually and visually stunning corners of Lebanon. Perched high in the Mount Lebanon range at over 6,500 feet (1,980 meters), this ancient forest and the cliffside town that guards it offer something genuinely rare in modern travel. You will discover 2,000-year-old trees that witnessed biblical history, monasteries carved into vertical cliffs, and the birthplace of Khalil Gibran.
This is not your average tourist trap. It is a place where the air is thin, the silence is profound, and every view feels like it belongs in a documentary about timeless landscapes. A Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit connects you with the raw soul of the Levant, offering a peaceful retreat from the energetic coast. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a literary enthusiast, this mountain masterpiece awaits your exploration.
The Cedars of God Forest: Walking Among Biblical Giants
The moment you step into the Horsh Arz el-Rab, which is the highlight of any Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit, you will understand why Queen Victoria was so moved she funded a protective wall in 1876. These are not just trees; they are the vegetative emblem of Lebanon itself, the same majestic cedars that appear on the national flag and currency. The grove sits at roughly 6,560 feet (2,000 meters) elevation on Mount Makmal’s slopes, and some of these horizontal-branched giants are estimated to be between 1,500 and 3,000 years old.
Exploring the Reserve Trails
The walking loop through the reserve is a central part of your Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit. It takes about 45 to 60 minutes at a leisurely pace and is graded as easy, featuring a mix of dirt and paved stone paths suitable for regular walking shoes.
During your walk, you will encounter Trinity Square, where three ancient trees grow from a fused base, and the Lamartine Cedar, named after the French poet who visited in 1832. Do not miss the absolutely stunning Dead Candelabra. These are massive sculptures carved into naturally deceased cedar trunks by artist Rudy Rahme, depicting the Passion of Christ and Lebanese historical figures.
Photography and Conservation Rules
For the best visual memories of your Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit, aim for late afternoon. The light hits the forest perfectly, casting long shadows through those horizontal branches and illuminating the red bark. Winter visitors can go skiing or snowshoeing over the usual paths on meters of packed snow; many repeat visitors say this silent, snow-draped version is the forest’s most magical incarnation.
Conservation rules are strict and enforced to protect this heritage. No climbing trees, no peeling bark, and no collecting pine cones are allowed. Just outside the entrance, you will find souvenir shops selling cedar wood carvings, which is one of the classic things to look for when buying Lebanese souvenirs. Crucially, this wood comes from regulated pruning or fallen branches, not illegal logging.
Gibran Khalil Gibran Museum: Where Poetry Meets Limestone
Located just outside the main town, the Gibran Khalil Gibran Museum is the cultural crown jewel of any Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit. Carved into the ancient Monastery of Mar Sarkis (Saint Sergius) dating back to the 7th century, the site is as impressive as the collection it holds. Gibran purchased this monastery in 1926 while living in New York, intending to retire here. Although he passed away before returning, his sister Mariana fulfilled his wish by repatriating his body and belongings to this cliff-cut sanctuary.
For visitors who only know Gibran as the author of The Prophet, the visual art collection is a revelation. You will see 440 original paintings and sketches featuring mystical, William Blake-style figures that mirror his writing’s themes. The museum also houses his personal library, easel, and furniture from his New York studio. The tour concludes in a cave-like room where Gibran is buried.
Fair warning for your Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit: photography inside the museum is strictly prohibited and aggressively enforced by staff. While this frustrates content creators, it preserves the contemplative atmosphere. A short walk uphill takes you to the Phoenician Tomb, a pre-Roman monolithic structure with a burial chamber carved into its base. The view from here over the valley is spectacular and often less crowded than the museum area.
Qadisha Valley Hiking
The Qadisha Valley, also known as Wadi Qadisha, is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its history as a Christian monastic refuge and is a must-see during your Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit. During Mamluk and Ottoman persecution, the rugged terrain full of caves and difficult-to-access cliffs provided safety for Maronites. This is not just a natural wonder; it is a sprawling, open-air monastery that defines the region’s spirit.
Top Hiking Routes and Tips
The valley floor hike is the most popular route for those on a Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit. It begins near the Mar Lishaa monastery (accessible by car) and follows the river toward Our Lady of Qannoubine monastery. This moderate trail takes 3 to 4 hours, stays shaded by trees, and follows the watercourse. If you are looking for serious trekking, this area connects to sections of the Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT).
The descent from Bsharri town into the valley is a different beast entirely. It is strenuous, tough on the knees going down, and exhausting on the ascent. Most casual tourists prefer renting a car to drive to the valley bottom or taking a taxi back up to save energy for other sights.
Key Monasteries to Explore
Key monasteries worth including in your Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit are the Monastery of St. Anthony of Qozhaya and Our Lady of Qannoubine. St. Anthony is the most accessible and developed, famous for housing the Middle East’s first printing press imported in 1584.
The Qadisha Grotto on the old road to the Cedars offers a more intimate cave experience than the famous Jeita Grotto. It is the source of the Qadisha River with stalactites and stalagmites. It is typically open from May through October or November depending on water levels, but often closed on Mondays.
Where to Eat: Mountain Cuisine with Altitude
Dining is an essential part of the Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit experience. The region offers mountain cuisine that is distinct from the coast.
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River Rock: Sits at Bsharri’s entrance on the cliff edge, offering a terrifyingly beautiful view of the Qadisha Valley. Reviews consistently praise the scenery as the primary selling point. The food is rated good to very good with standard Lebanese traditional food, but honestly, the ambiance does the heavy lifting.
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Masa Restaurant: Located on the road toward the Cedars, this spot has a more modern, cozy chalet feel with a fireplace running in winter. The menu mixes Lebanese food and international options like steaks and pasta. It is highly rated for cleanliness and service. Many staying overnight prefer this for dinner as it feels more intimate than large banquet halls.
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Café des Cèdres: For a quick bite, this cafe near the forest entrance offers sandwiches and full meals.
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Bayt Baytak: Focuses on breakfast and brunch with fresh manoushe and farm-fresh labneh. It is praised for its “grandma’s kitchen” feel. When eating here, remember that Bsharri cuisine focuses on kibbeh bil sayniyeh (baked in a tray) and preservation foods like awarma and kishk, often paired with a glass of Arak.
Where to Stay in Bsharri
Choosing the right accommodation can make or break your Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit.
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Tiger House Guest House: Arguably the most famous lodging in Lebanon’s backpacking circuit. This family home converted into a guesthouse is run by a local legend who provides extensive hiking trail info. It is extremely affordable with a highly social atmosphere, and it remains one of the most beloved guesthouses in Lebanese mountains.
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La Maison des Cèdres: Positions itself as a boutique hotel closer to the forest than the town. The beautifully designed interiors and sense of seclusion feel like a mountain lodge. High aesthetic value and comfortable rooms earn it high ratings from couples and design-conscious travelers.
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Hotel Chbat: A large, older option among Lebanon hotels in Bsharri town with classic infrastructure like a pool and large dining room. The pool is a major summer plus, and valley-facing rooms offer spectacular views. However, the decor can feel dated, and some guests note that loud music at the pool can disturb the mountain peace.
Getting There and Practical Logistics
Proper planning is crucial for a successful Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit. From Beirut, take the coastal highway north past Byblos and Batroun to Chekka, then turn right into the mountains. The road winds through Koura’s olive groves and ascends steeply into the Qadisha Valley. The total duration is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours covering 75 miles (120km).
Weather and Road Conditions
In winter, typically December through March, snow chains or 4WD are often mandatory to complete your Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit. Police checkpoints will turn back ill-equipped vehicles during storms, so always check driving in Lebanon advice before heading up. Public buses depart from Beirut usually going to Tripoli, where you must transfer to a Bsharri bus.
Currency and Safety
Lebanon’s economy is effectively dollarized. While the Lebanese Lira is legal tender, prices for hotels and tours during your Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit are listed in USD. Bring small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) as many places cannot break $100 bills, and always clarify the rate if paying in Lebanon currency.
Regarding safety, Bsharri district is located in the Christian heartland of the North. It is historically one of Lebanon’s safest regions. Recent travelers consistently report feeling safe in Bsharri, Batroun, and Byblos. If you are concerned, you can read more about if Lebanon is safe for American tourists. The primary risks relate to road safety and winter weather rather than political instability.
Your Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit offers a travel experience that counters typical Middle East headlines. It is a region of quiet dignity, immense history, and raw natural beauty. The connection to Khalil Gibran, a writer who bridged East and West, provides a powerful emotional hook for international travelers.
Whether you are standing beneath a 2,000-year-old cedar or looking out from Gibran’s tomb, a Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit offers a rare commodity in modern travel: a genuine sense of timelessness. Pack your bags, bring your hiking boots, and prepare for a journey that feeds the soul.
