Lebanon’s Ultimate Hike: Baskinta’s Four-Season Trail in a Single Day
Hermit of Al-Shakhroub?! Have you ever paused at this title?
Have you ever tried to grasp the reason behind this asceticism and the inspiration that flowed from its depths.
It is evident that this is a unique form of asceticism, nestled among the mountains and valleys of Al-Shakhroub, where the mist floats, leaving behind surreal visions, where rivers flow to dazzle the sight and delight the hearing, carrying the soul into the depths of its essence. Here, tranquility reigns supreme, peace envelops its specters, glorifying the Creator and the marvels of His creation, renewing the pledge to safeguard the land and protect what remains of its nature—here, and in every corner of our blessed Lebanon.
And this description is the least I can convey after what I experienced on a hiking journey through the lands of Baskinta and Al-Shakhroub two weeks ago, when I felt the essence behind the asceticism and the title of our great poet and writer, Mikhail Naimy. And through my captures, I shall take you with me to that poetic world—harmonious yet contradictory!
Yes, contradictory!
For if we return to the words of the great thinker, son of this region, we realize that in his days, “the seasons were orderly, succeeding each other with utmost precision, in perfect balance and moderation. Winter did not encroach upon spring, nor did spring covet summer, nor did summer take from autumn’s share, nor did autumn violate what was allotted to winter.”
Yet our days bear witness to the opposite, as the seasons barely follow the calendar, intertwining with one another, blending contradictions into a most magnificent tableau, as though spring carves its path through the mist, imposing its arrival despite the snow. And all of this stems from climate change, which has no remedy apart from reforestation.
A Landscape of Contrasts: A Journey Through the Seasons
Contradiction was not confined to these scenes alone; rather, it extended to the entire journey, as if it were a walk through all the seasons, across a distance not exceeding sixteen kilometers. We began at the highest point of the region, where patches of snow and veils of mist adorned the landscape, descending into its valleys, passing through rivers and mud, and then ascending once more into spring!
Yes… as though we had transitioned to an opposite climate in another region, one of purely spring-like nature.
And so, the journey began amid the mist and drizzles, and wherever we walked downward, rivers and springs accompanied us—at times cutting across our path, asserting their right of ownership, reminding us of the necessity to respect them and leave nothing behind that could harm them. The scenery transformed gradually, from white to brown, then to green.
The closer we approached the bottom of the valley, the louder the river’s roar grew, increasing our anticipation to meet it after having glimpsed it from above.
You can watch highlights of this journey on my Instagram through this link.
And now, the surprise of the contradiction I mentioned!
It felt as though we had transitioned to a different place and time as we ascended from the valley to reach the village, with several stops along the "Baskinta Literary Trail" including the Seif Al Dawla cliffside grotto, perched dramatically across the valley, the historic Saydet El Khale Church, nestled in serene surroundings, and the traditional stone family house of writer Sleiman Kettaneh, a true reflection of Baskinta’s rich literary and cultural heritage… And I will let my captures narrate the scene themselves!
The village was adorned in the colors of spring, after having crossed through all seasons in just a few hours of hiking. The moment would not be complete without a fine cup of coffee, sealing the journey with an unforgettable flavor!
How to Reach Baskinta?
You can reach Baskinta via Kfardebian or Bikfaya-Bteghrine. The village is located in the Metn District, within the Mount Lebanon Governorate, approximately 43 km from Beirut. Its lands stretch over 48 square kilometers, with varying altitudes—from 2,600 meters at the peak of Sannine to 1,000 meters at the bottom of Wadi El-Jamaajem (The Valley of Skulls). The village center sits at 1,400 meters, while Qanat Bakish is located at an altitude of 1,660 meters.
I explored Baskinta in 2019, hiking across all its regions, documenting my snow adventure in Qanat Bakish and its cedars, as well as embarking on a journey under snowfall. You can revisit these experiences through these links: قناة باكيش snowshoe ، بسكنتا وسط العاصفة
Baskinta: Land of Nature and History
Baskinta is rich in fruit-bearing and wild trees, with rivers such as Nabaa El-Assal, Sannine, and Bakish. The village also holds archaeological sites that reflect its deep-rooted history, dating back to the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Marada, and various ruling dynasties, up to the Ottoman era. The name Baskinta means "House of Justice" in Syriac.
From the words of its son, the great thinker Mikhail Naimy, which we need today more than ever:
"When a library becomes as essential in a home as a table, a bed, a chair, and a kitchen, then we can say we have become a civilized people."
Mikhail Naimy was a pioneer of intellectual and cultural revival, a poet, writer, and theater critic, and a founder of the "Mahjar School" within the Pen League. He passed away in Baskinta in 1988, nearly reaching 100 years of age. His face has been engraved in stone as a tribute, making the site a touristic landmark, and a key stop on the Baskinta Literary Trail.
Notably, many of Baskinta’s residents have been writers, poets, sculptors, and artists, and for over 30 years, The Cultural Movement in Baskinta and its Surroundings has been dedicated to showcasing the village’s literary, artistic, and environmental heritage.
The village is also home to beautiful churches and a cultural center, and we cannot mention Baskinta without highlighting the Qanat Bakish Cross, the largest illuminated cross in the world.
Lebanon... A Never-Ending Path of Beauty!
No matter how much we describe, talk, or showcase photos, we can never truly capture the essence of this region—just as we cannot fully encapsulate the beauty of Lebanon’s other destinations. I invite you to discover them with me through my live explorations and archived stories, hoping they inspire you to visit, support local communities by purchasing their products, and indulge in their rich culinary traditions.
Stay Safe & Tread Lightly
Don’t Go Solo: Always hike with a trusted companion or a professional local guide who understands the terrain. If you need help finding an authentic guide, feel free to reach out—I’ll connect you to the best, safest, and most reliable adventure experts.
Pack In, Pack Out: Carry your trash back with you. Never leave waste behind.
Respect Wildlife & Plants: Avoid stepping on or picking plants, and keep a safe distance from animals. Do not disturb or remove any natural elements.
Follow Local Guidelines: Adhere to trail rules, stay on marked paths, and be mindful of fragile habitats.
A little thoughtfulness goes a long way toward preserving the places we love. Enjoy your adventure responsibly, and help keep nature pristine for future generations!
About Nidal Majdalani
Nidal Majdalani is a renowned travel writer, tourism expert, photographer, and explorer, celebrated for her vivid storytelling and passion for Lebanon’s exploration through her “Travelling Lebanon” initiative since 2010, supporting local communities. With over a decade of experience capturing Lebanon’s natural, cultural, historical, and culinary treasures, she is also the sole author of the Lebanon guide for Lonely Planet’s Middle East book- 2025. Through her journeys, Nidal invites readers to see Lebanon through her words and lens, showcasing its hidden gems while curating one-of-a-kind itineraries for unforgettable experiences.
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