• Beirut - 9:00 AM — Hotel Pickup
  The guide-driver will meet the group at the Beirut hotel and proceed north into the Keserwan mountains. Jabal Moussa is approximately an hour away, transitioning from the coastal highway to mountain roads as the ascent begins.
• Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve - Jabal Moussa — UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Briefing
  Upon arrival at the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized protected area in the Keserwan mountains, the guide-driver will discuss the reserve’s ecology, geology, and its UNESCO biosphere status before the hike commences. “Mountain of Moses” in Arabic, the name reflects the mountain’s rich historical and spiritual significance.
• Chouwen Lake - Easy 2-Hour Hike to Chouwen Lake
  Embark on the marked trail to Chouwen Lake, an easy two-hour hike through Mediterranean forest and mountain terrain, suitable for all fitness levels with no steep or technical sections. The guide-driver will lead the group, sharing insights on local flora, fauna, and geology. The trail offers increasingly dramatic views over the Keserwan valleys as altitude is gained, culminating at Chouwen Lake, one of Lebanon’s most picturesque and least frequented natural spots.
• Chouwen Lake - Chouwen Lake — Swimming When Conditions Allow
  Arrive at Chouwen Lake, a natural mountain lake nestled in the heart of the Jabal Moussa reserve, surrounded by rocky terrain and mountain vegetation. In warm weather, swimming is possible in the lake’s clear, cool mountain waters, offering a remote and rewarding natural experience. During cooler months, the lake and its surroundings provide stunning scenery and a sense of discovery in a place rarely visited by tourists. Enjoy time at the lake to rest, swim if conditions permit, and appreciate the surroundings before the return hike.
• Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve - Return Hike to Trailhead
  Retrace the trail back, with views often more striking on the return as the afternoon light casts a different glow on the valley. The guide-driver will address any remaining questions about the reserve and the surrounding area.
• Beirut - Return to Beirut — Approx. 5:30–6:30 PM
  Drop-off at the Beirut hotel. A UNESCO biosphere reserve, a two-hour mountain hike, and a natural lake just an hour from the city make this a day trip in Lebanon that many visitors wish they had discovered earlier.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut
• Shared air-conditioned vehicle
• Knowledgeable English-speaking guide-driver
• Guided 2-hour easy hike to Chouwen Lake
• Swimming at Chouwen Lake (weather permitting)
• Bottled water throughout

• Jabal Moussa reserve entrance fee (payable on site)
• Lunch (no facilities at lake — bring snacks recommended)
• Gratuities (optional)

Most day trips from Beirut to Lebanon focus on a select few historical sites. However, this excursion takes visitors to a less frequented destination — the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve, a vital ecological area in Lebanon. Participants can enjoy a two-hour, leisurely hike through mountainous terrain, concluding at Chouwen Lake. Swimming is available in the summer when conditions permit, and the scenery is breathtaking all year round. Located just an hour from Beirut, Jabal Moussa, which translates to “Mountain of Moses” in Arabic, is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve in the Keserwan mountains, safeguarding one of Lebanon’s most ecologically diverse environments. The hike to Chouwen Lake follows well-marked, easy trails through Mediterranean forests and rocky landscapes, with the lake serving as a delightful endpoint. Travelers often describe this experience as an unexpected highlight of their trip to Lebanon. The tour accommodates a small group of up to 9 people, with a knowledgeable guide-driver accompanying throughout. Tickets and lunch are payable on site.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.