Autumn is the perfect weather to plan those much needed weekend family getaways... Our pick was #Ehden a great Gem in North of Lebanon.... The climate is perfect; and it's considered to be a town at 1500 m above sea level..... Heading there with kids could be tiring as distance from Beirut requires almost 2.5hrs drive!!! We started our journey @ 10:00 am.. enjoyed a coffee break in Bread house around 11:30 before we continued our lovely #roadtrip in the amazing mountains!!
The Hotel....
We arrived to Hotel Ehden around 12:30 although we were way too early from check in time (2:00 pm) the manager was more than happy to give us our rooms!! They were all clean, ready, and super lovely!! Hotel is small only 3 floors with a small swimming pool in the hotel's backyard, a lobby & small restaurant..
Note: Our balcony was on the fire staircase side which leads you to the swimming pool, thus we had to keep door closed, locked, and stores down so kids will not open it and go out on their own!!
Note: Our balcony was on the fire staircase side which leads you to the swimming pool, thus we had to keep door closed, locked, and stores down so kids will not open it and go out on their own!!
Clean, well decorated and generally a pleasant looking hotel located a short drive from the historic center of Ehden.
The rooms are spacious, pleasantly furnished, modern and spotless. FREE WiFi available in all the hotel!
Going around Ehden area!
Deir Mar Sarkis & Bakhos! Let yourself go in this spiritual calm place..
After checking-in and unpacking We drove around to explore the area..Our first stop was visiting Deir Mar Sarkis W Bakhos.... It was quite, very old church with an amazing view.. Kids loved running around bil se7a for an hour before Lunch time in the famous Al-Ferdaws restaurant which is always packed & requires reservations in the weekend!
Tip: Reserve in the lower seating area, it's more lit, less crowded and view is just incredible! Super fast service and of course don't miss out on their amazing Kibbeh!!
Tip: Reserve in the lower seating area, it's more lit, less crowded and view is just incredible! Super fast service and of course don't miss out on their amazing Kibbeh!!
Unfortunately just after we finished our lunch the weather shifted dramatically from sunny to cloudy to rain & foggy!! All of the sudden, Visibility was so bad & we had to stay for 1.5 in the hotel waiting for it to cool down!! It didn't much so we decided to drive down..our destination was Lac de Bnachii in Zaghrta Area.. Bad part we got there on a Saturday afternoon around 6:00 pm so it was over crowded...actually it was packed!! So we only walked around (didn't pedal or took the boat), saw the ducks and people enjoying a horse carriage ride, all restaurants were loaded so we decided to check the taxidermy Museum!! It had all sorts and type of animal species (both wild and marine) and our kids were so fascinated by this short yet super educational journey down the 2 lanes!!!
Note: Tickets: 6000/adults
Only after I took these 4 pictures I was told shooting NOT allowed inside!!
Note: Tickets: 6000/adults
Only after I took these 4 pictures I was told shooting NOT allowed inside!!
Bnachaii Lake & Museum
We couldn't last long as it was getting more and more crowded so we decided to head back to the hotel, but spending a night in Ehden without passing by the Miden, Ehden wouldn't have been complete...so we decided to check it out!! It was super crowded as well...took as 1/2hr to find a parking...we walked around took some pictures, all places were full with lots of people smoking and it was getting chilly for the kids we so called it off for the day!!
you must make a stop at "Al Midan" to get the full Ehden experience even if you are not hungry!!
Day 2 !!!
Breakfast was delicious and good enough..however could have been richer for value of money!!
Saydet el hosn...A must visit!! Not only to check both its NEW & Old Church..but to stand still on the cliff and enjoy the marvelous view of all NORTH area!!
Around 11:30 am it was time to check out and start our road-trip...We loved Ehden and definitely will visit it again!!
Note: Keep a camera with you for when you go sight-seeing. If you enjoy photography, you will find a lot of amazing & wonderful scenery!!
Note: Keep a camera with you for when you go sight-seeing. If you enjoy photography, you will find a lot of amazing & wonderful scenery!!
Enjoy your hidden gems
Lebanon may be a small country, but it has precious treats hidden in every corner. Make sure you take a day or a weekend getaway & explore them with your family & loved ones & enjoy discovering the Beauty of your country!!
Looking at these old tall & strong Cedar trees say it all!!
From Ehden to Bcharreh & Arz!!!
A 1 hour drive in the most amazing villages!! Each is captivating with its traditional Lebanese houses, gardens smelling Sunday BBQ of gathered families, and above all enjoying amazing greenery!! Finally we reached our destination...#cedarsofGod!!
Note: No fees bracket...Entrance fees to the forest is a contribution amount by visitors..just make sure you respect the trees, rules & area :)
Make sure you buy black honey jar: 40,000LL will be great for the kids in winter!
Note: No fees bracket...Entrance fees to the forest is a contribution amount by visitors..just make sure you respect the trees, rules & area :)
Make sure you buy black honey jar: 40,000LL will be great for the kids in winter!
Ehden Reserve is another must!! However, we had to ditch as kids were too young and not ready for such a lovely journey!
Woke up early as kids were super excited & weather was back to sunny and super lovely!! First we enjoyed our delicious and yummy breakfast before we headed to phase 2 of exploring the area!!
First we had another not to-be missed spiritual experience inSaydet El Hosn - Ehden:
followed by a quick discovery of Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve
Note: first entry to the reserve (right next to Saydet el Hosn is too bumpy & requires 4*4 car!!! 2nd main entry next to Nahr Jweit is a long path...not suitable if you got kids and not well equipped or dressed properly!!
First we had another not to-be missed spiritual experience inSaydet El Hosn - Ehden:
followed by a quick discovery of Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve
Note: first entry to the reserve (right next to Saydet el Hosn is too bumpy & requires 4*4 car!!! 2nd main entry next to Nahr Jweit is a long path...not suitable if you got kids and not well equipped or dressed properly!!