Q: Is it safe to walk in South Lebanon?
A: Foreigners who wish to hike the southern part of the trail need to obtain security clearance from the Lebanese Ministry of Defense. Here, more than anywhere else on the trail, you should walk with a local guide.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a local guide for a day?
A: Local guides will typically charge between $20 and $30 per day. Prices are negotiable for longer stays (multiple days) and groups.
Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: Water quality in rural areas can vary from one location to another. Spring water, so common in Lebanese mountains, is often polluted. It is advised that you always drink bottled water.
Q: Where can I camp?
A: There are very few formal campgrounds in Lebanonthat offer camping accommodation as well as toilet and shower facilities. The most famous campsite on the LMT is called La Réserve and it is located in Afqa.
Q: Where can I find restrooms?
A: There are no restrooms available directly on the trail, except in areas where the LMT traverses nature reserves. However, in every village, you can use the restrooms at small restaurants and municipality buildings.
Q: How long does it take to hike the entire LMT / thru-hike?
A: For convenience, the LMT is divided into 26 sections. Trained walkers can therefore cross the entire trail, from north to south (approximately 400 km) in 26 days. Hikers with less experience, or hikers who plan to spend more time visiting natural and cultural attractions on or near the trail, are advised to spend an extra week or two to complete the thru-walk.
Q: How is the LMT marked?
A: Most of the trail is today recognizable (old trails, agricultural roads). The LMT Association will begin to mark the trail using markers and / or blazes in 2007. Details and samples are forthcoming.
Q: Which is the best season for hiking the LMT?
A: Lebanon is known to offer four distinct seasons. On the LMT, you will enjoy the specific characteristics that each season has to offer. Spectacular color blends in spring and autumn, snow in winter, and clear blue skies in summer. Heavy fog and torrential rain can be a problem for hikers in winter (December through March) while a blazing sun can be tiring for long-distance hikers in the summer (July-August). Sun bloc is essential during summer.
Q: Will I get lost on the trail?
A: Not really. The longest distance between any two villages on or near the trail is about 10 km. In the future, you will be able to download GPS readings of the trail from this website and upload them into your personal GPS unit. You will also be able to view and download detailed maps of the trail showing contour lines, major points of interest and intersecting roads. Cell phone network coverage is available on most of the trail.
Q: Is it safe to walk alone?
A: The LMT is generally a safe place and the Lebanese people are renowned for their hospitality. However, it is recommended that you walk with a group or a local guide. Not only does this make your trail experience more enjoyable, but it will also spare you the risks that may arise from hiking alone.
Q: Which section should I walk first?
A: You can start walking any section on the LMT (a total of 24 sections). Every section starts and ends in a village. Within any given section, it is recommended that you walk from North to South if you plan to use the LMT guidebook (forthcoming) which describes the trail from North to South.
Q: Does the LMT Association organize trips on the trail?
A: No, but the LMT can put you in contact with tour operators who organize trips on the LMT. You can view a complete list of inbound tour operators on our website and visit their websites for more information.
