DISCOVER. CONNECT. CLIMB.
Three days through Lebanon’s mountain heritage, ancient cedar forests and the spectacular summit of Mount Sannine at 2,628 m.
Curated and led by Dr. Joyce Azzam
Everest & Seven Summits Mountaineer
3 Days | 2 Nights | Limited Spots
1 Mountain Guide for Every 3 Participants
Early Booking Rate: AED 2,720
Regular Rate: AED 3,200
Book by 1 October 2026
Discover Lebanon through its mountains.
The Mount Sannine Adventure is a three-day journey combining mountain challenge, nature, heritage, wellbeing and authentic Lebanese hospitality.
Our journey begins in Deir El Qamar, the historic capital of the Mount Lebanon Emirate, before continuing into the mountains of the Chouf. We hike among the ancient cedars of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, experience forest bathing beneath their historic branches, and finish the journey with the challenge of climbing Mount Sannine to 2,628 m.
Curated and led by Dr. Joyce Azzam, Everest & Seven Summits mountaineer, this is much more than a hiking weekend.
It is an invitation to discover Lebanon slowly, deeply and from above.
Get Mountain Ready. Climb with Joy.
THE JOURNEY
DAY 1 | DISCOVER
Friday, 30 October
Beirut → Deir El Qamar → Barouk
We meet at Beirut International Airport at 10:00 am and begin our journey toward the mountains.
Our first stop is Deir El Qamar, one of Lebanon’s most historically significant mountain towns.
Once the capital and residence of the Emirs of Mount Lebanon, Deir El Qamar flourished as an important political and cultural centre from the 16th century onward. Its historic centre preserves palaces, religious buildings, stone streets and public spaces that tell the story of centuries of Lebanese mountain life. UNESCO documentation has highlighted the town’s distinctive urban and architectural heritage and its history as a place where different religious communities lived side by side.
We pause here for coffee and a gentle walk through the historic centre, beginning our adventure not with the summit, but with the heritage of the mountains we are about to explore.
From Deir El Qamar, we continue toward Barouk, where we settle into our guesthouse and enjoy an authentic Lebanese lunch.
Depending on timing and weather conditions, the afternoon may include a gentle sunset walk followed by warm tea while taking in the surrounding mountain landscape.
We return to the guesthouse for dinner and a restful evening in the cool, fresh mountain air.
Overnight: Barouk
DAY 2 | CONNECT
Saturday, 31 October
Shouf Biosphere Reserve
After breakfast, we head into the magnificent Shouf Biosphere Reserve for approximately 13.5 km of hiking through one of Lebanon’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
Our trail moves through ancient cedar forest, rocky mountain terrain and open viewpoints, climbing from approximately 1,337 m to 1,929 m.
On clear days, the landscape opens toward Mount Hermon, Mount Sannine, Mount Kneisseh and the surrounding Lebanese mountains.
BENEATH THE ANCIENT CEDARS
The Cedar of Lebanon has been part of the natural and cultural identity of the country for thousands of years.
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve protects some of Lebanon’s most important remaining cedar forests, including extraordinary ancient trees that have stood here for centuries.
During our hike, we do more than simply walk through them.
We pause beneath their branches.
As part of the journey, we experience forest bathing and mindful nature practices designed to slow us down, engage our senses and deepen our connection with the landscape.
Along the trail, we encounter a remarkable ancient cedar affectionately known locally as “The Old Lady”, creating a unique setting to pause beneath her historic branches and experience the stillness of the forest.
It is a day balancing movement and stillness, effort and restoration, challenge and connection.
| Distance | Approx. 13.5 km |
|---|---|
| Highest Point | Approx. 1,929 m |
| Level | Moderate to Challenging |
After completing our journey through the reserve, we return to the guesthouse for recovery, dinner and an evening around the bonfire.
Tomorrow, we climb Mount Sannine.
DAY 3 | CLIMB
Sunday, 1 November
Mount Sannine | 2,628 m
We wake early, have breakfast and travel approximately 75 minutes toward the Mount Sannine trailhead, aiming to begin hiking at around 8:00 am.
Our final challenge is an approximately 16 km mountain journey toward the high ridge of the Mount Sannine massif.
As we climb, magnificent views open across the Metn mountains and Lebanon’s Mediterranean coastline. Higher on the mountain, we approach the iconic Mount Sannine Cross at 2,536 m.
But the Cross is not the true summit.
Weather, mountain conditions and local safety guidance permitting, our objective is the summit of Mount Sannine at 2,628 m.
From high on the massif, Lebanon unfolds around us, with views toward the Mediterranean landscape, surrounding mountains and the Bekaa Valley.
After reaching our highest safe point for the day, we begin our descent and complete our mountain journey.
| Distance | Approx. 16 km |
|---|---|
| Summit Objective | 2,628 m |
| Level | Challenging |
The exact route and summit objective remain subject to weather, mountain conditions and local safety guidance.
Following the hike, transportation returns participants to Beirut or Beirut International Airport at approximately 7:00 pm.
GET MOUNTAIN READY
At MounTurtle, we believe your adventure begins before you reach the trailhead.
The Mount Sannine Adventure includes two consecutive mountain days, culminating in a challenging summit attempt at 2,628 m.
Participants receive pre-adventure preparation to help them arrive physically and mentally ready.
PREPARATION INCLUDES
- Fitness and training guidance
- Equipment and packing guidance
- Mountain preparation briefing
- Pacing and energy management guidance
- Recovery guidance
- Support throughout the mountain experience
We do not simply take you to the mountain. We help you get mountain ready.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
| Dates | 30 October–1 November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Days / 2 Nights |
| Location | Lebanon |
| Accommodation | Barouk |
| Highest Point | Mount Sannine, 2,628 m |
| Level | Moderate to Challenging |
| Guide Ratio | 1 mountain guide for every 3 participants |
| Regular Rate | AED 3,200 per person |
| Early Booking Rate | AED 2,720 per person until 1 October 2026 |
| Group | Limited spots |
Our 1:3 mountain guide to participant ratio allows us to keep the mountain experience small and personal, with closer attention to each participant throughout the journey.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Two nights’ accommodation at the guesthouse in Barouk
- Beirut International Airport pick-up on Friday at 10:00 am
- Transportation throughout the three-day adventure
- Visit to historic Deir El Qamar
- Transportation to and from the Shouf Biosphere Reserve
- Transportation to and from the Mount Sannine trailhead
- Sunday evening transfer to Beirut or Beirut International Airport at approximately 7:00 pm
- Breakfasts
- Authentic Lebanese meals at the guesthouse according to the itinerary
- Fruit for the mountain days
- Mountain guiding with a maximum ratio of 1 guide for every 3 participants
- MounTurtle adventure leadership
- Forest bathing and mindful nature practices
- Pre-adventure preparation and equipment guidance
- Bonfire evening, subject to local conditions
HIKING LUNCH
Packed sandwiches can be arranged by MounTurtle according to participants’ preferences.
Participants are asked to bring their own preferred hiking snacks and energy foods.
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights to and from Lebanon
- Accommodation outside the two included nights
- Personal hiking snacks and energy products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal hiking equipment and clothing
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional additional experiences
EXTEND YOUR LEBANON EXPERIENCE
Staying in Lebanon a little longer?
Your Mount Sannine Adventure can be complemented with additional experiences before or after the mountain weekend.
BEIRUT HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
Discover Beirut through its history, architecture and cultural layers with a dedicated heritage guide.
BATROUN HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
Explore the historic Mediterranean town of Batroun with a dedicated heritage guide.
Additional accommodation, private transportation and heritage guiding can be arranged separately.
WHY MOUNTURTLE?
CURATED AND LED BY EXPERIENCE
Your journey is curated and led by Dr. Joyce Azzam, Everest & Seven Summits mountaineer, bringing years of mountain experience into every stage of the adventure.
PREPARATION COMES FIRST
We do not simply take you to a trailhead. We help you prepare so you can arrive ready to experience the mountain.
PERSONAL MOUNTAIN SUPPORT
With a maximum ratio of one mountain guide for every three participants, the experience remains small, personal and closely supported.
MOUNTAINS WITH MEANING
Physical challenge meets nature, heritage, wellbeing and genuine connection with Lebanon.
DISCOVER LEBANON DIFFERENTLY
Walk through the historic streets of Deir El Qamar. Hike among ancient cedars. Pause beneath their branches. Experience Lebanese hospitality. Stand high above the country from one of its most iconic summits.
This is not simply about reaching 2,628 metres.
It is about everything you experience on the way there.
READY TO CLIMB MOUNT SANNINE?
30 October–1 November 2026
EARLY BOOKING RATE
AED 2,720 per person until 5 October 2026
Regular Rate: AED 3,200
Limited spots | 1 mountain guide for every 3 participants
Three days to Discover. Connect. Climb.
Date: Sunday, 5th November 2023
Time: 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Mushrif Park, Dubai
Level: BeginnerCost: 250 AED
Base Layers
- Synthetic Short Underwear (2-3 pair): non-cotton style underwear
- Lightweight Long Underwear (1-2 pair): long sleeve shirt and long pants
- Heavyweight Long Underwear (1 pair)
- Short Sleeve Synthetic Shirt (1-2)
Mid Layer
- Soft Shell Jacket: to be worn over other layers
- Soft Shell Pants: very breathable and water repellant
- Lightweight Nylon Pants (1-2 pair)
Waterproof/Rain Layers
- Hard Shell Jacket with hood: waterproof and breathable shell jacket
- Hard Shell Pants: waterproof and breathable shell pants
- Poncho
Headwear
- Warm Hat: synthetic or wool hat (ski hat)
- Baseball Cap or other sun hat: to shade your face/neck from the sun on a hot day
- Bandana or Buff: to protect your neck/face from the sun
Eyewear
- Sunglasses: full protection with side covers or wrap around
Gloves
- Lightweight Synthetic Base Layer Gloves: for wearing on a cold day
Footwear
- Hiking Boots/Shoes: comfortable boots or shoes for the trek to base camp
- Gaiters (optional if snow)
- Hiking socks
Sleeping Equipment
- Sleeping Bag: rated to at least 10°C
- Earplugs
Trekking Gear
- Trekking Backpack 35 L: Compression Stuff Sacks: for reducing the volume of the sleeping bag, etc., in your pack/duffels
- Trash Compactor Bags: to line backpack and stuff sacks as well as for separating gear
- Backpack Rain Cover (optional)
- Trekking Poles with optional Snow Baskets: adjustable poles
- Headlamp: with 2 extra sets of new batteries
Travel Items
- Large Duffel Bags with Locks: for transporting gear (Optional)
- Carry-on Backpack: can use trekking backpack, approximately 18” x 16” x 10” (46cm x 41cm x 26cm)
- Travel Clothes: for days in cities and towns
- Lightweight journal, sketchbook, pencils, pen
- S. cash: for currency exchange to purchase SIM cards or merchandise in cities and villages
Additional Food Items
- Snack Food: bring a few days’ supply of your favorite climbing snack food such as bars, gels, nuts, beef jerky, etc. variety of salty and sweet is good
Other Equipment
- Water Bottles (2): wide mouth bottles with 1-liter capacity
- Water Treatment (optional): UV-based or tablets
- Sunscreen: SPF 50 or better
- Lip Screen (2 sticks): SPF 30 or better
- Toiletry Bag: include small towel, toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Knife or Multi-tool (optional)
- Small Personal First-aid Kit: include athletic tape, band-aids, Ibuprofen, blister care, cough drops, etc.
- Medications and Prescriptions: bring antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.)
- Handkerchiefs/Bandanas (optional)
Optional Electronics
- Adventure Sports Watch: such as Garmin fēnix 6
- Personal Power System: such as Goal Zero Nomad 28 Plus Solar Paneland Sherpa 100AC Power Bank
- Digital Entertainment: movies, tv shows, music, books loaded on to smartphone, iPad, Kindle
- Camera: bring extra batteries, charger, and memory cards
MounTurtle stands out by offering delicious balanced meals, Medical Check & oximeter, weather forecast, GPS-tracking online.
MOUNTURTLE is recognized for well thought out strategy in leading high altitude climbing expeditions, as well as high-quality service throughout. We have two decades of experience in the planning and coordination of mountaineering expeditions, our reputation is excellent. We strive to make each expedition the best possible experience for our climbers and focus on our 3 primary goals of success in reaching the summit, returning safely, and having fun! Safety is always our number one priority.
Our guides are some of the best and most experienced in the industry, having a strong grasp of technical climbing, expedition, and high altitude experience, along with strong interpersonal skills. Our teams are small and equipped with the best support available to ensure the highest chance of success. We are renowned for our comfortable base camps, high-quality food, first-rate communications, and medical support services, all of which are overseen by a professional member of our team.
Most of our climbers have either climbed with us before, been referred by a friend who has climbed with us, or met one of our teams while attempting another peak and decided to join us for their next expedi