The Mount Lebanon region is an outdoor adventure-lover’s paradise. With high, snow-capped mountains running north to south through the center of the country, this region offers a rocky, rugged terrain that is perfect for a variety of outdoor sports and adventure activities. On the west side of the mountain range, the foothills slope down to the sunny Mediterranean coast. On the east side stretches the wide, agricultural Bekaa Valley. At the height of Mount Lebanon’s peaks are excellent opportunities for skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, and other winter and outdoor adventure sports.

 

This is probably one of the safer areas in which to travel in Lebanon, if not the Levant as a whole. However, scammers and pickpockets are known to frequent the Gold Market and central square at Bhamdoun, using distraction to relieve others of their goods - exercise common sense and avoid anyone seen to be loitering; do not respond to any calls for attention.

 

Troubles in neighbouring Syria have seen an exodus of (often harmless) beggars to the larger hill towns outside Beirut, including Aley. This is more of a nuissance than a danger.

If in need of directions, always ask at a local shop (of which there are many lining the roads).