Is hiking Lebanon’s best therapy?

Stress is part and parcel of life in Lebanon. Many of us live in relatively congested neighborhoods and face grueling traffic almost on a daily basis. Of course, there are other challenges plus the accumulated trauma from previous years and decades that the Lebanese in particular have had to grapple with. Fortunately, there are many modalities that can help off-set stress and one of them is being in nature. It is no secret that being in nature lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. In Lebanon, hiking has proven to be more than just an enjoyable activity in nature; It has become a form of therapy that even psychiatrists are readily prescribing to their patients.

Hiking as an activity started to pick up around 2008, when the Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) was created. Inspired by the Appalachian Trail in the US, LMT is a 470 km foot path spanning the country from north to south (from Andqet in Akkar to Marjayoun). You would typically see LMT markings (white and purple paint marks) on rocks, trees and walls along walking trails, to make sure hikers are on the right track. Around this time eco-tourism hiking groups started to emerge, and the activity quickly took off.

From eco-trails to local communities

When Mark Aoun, started Vamos Todos in 2006, there were only a few hiking groups in the country. Today, there are over a hundred! Mark’s vision from the start was to create a walking group based on the principles of eco-tourism, meaning to hike responsibly in order to preserve the natural environment and help the local community. This meant his groups would not exceed 20 people or else be separated into smaller groups based on the difficulty levels of the hike. Initially, hiking was not that popular among the Lebanese according to Aoun. “When we started three fourths of my hiking groups consisted of foreigners, either visitors or expats in Lebanon. Now, it’s different as the Lebanese have caught on and love hiking.” Many of the walks culminate in the nearby villages where hikers may stop to have lunch in the restaurants and buy products (mouneh or souvenirs) to support the local businesses.

Similarly, Dale Corazon, a hiking group started in 2009 by Rodrique Yazbec Raeidy, focuses on eco-tourism to help both preserve and promote the local areas they hike in. Raeidy once organized a hike to Oyoun El Samak, a picturesque mountainous area in North Lebanon, where all the participants came together to clean the local lake as a team building activity. Raeidy, a Lebanese history buff, loves to also share historical facts, anecdotes and stories with his walking groups.

It makes the hike more enjoyable, and people feel more connected to the place when they hear real narratives about it

In addition to the benefits of practicing eco-tourism, these groups and others quickly noticed how hiking had a positive impact on the well-being of the people. “Hiking in nature is pure anti-stress. People forget all their worries and immerse themselves in the natural environment. It’s a therapy in itself,” says Aoun.  In fact, two leading Lebanese psychiatrists whom Aoun asked The Beiruter not to name for confidentiality purposes, have been regularly sending their patients to go walk with Vamos Todos, proving that even medical experts believe in the healing power of nature walks. Raeidy, a civil engineer, started Dale Corazon just as a hobby and as a way to destress from work. However, once his hiking side business took off, he decided to make it his full-time profession.

By hiking regularly, I saw my own transformation. I became healthier, both mentally and physically, and I am much happier now

In Japan, being in nature is a therapeutic practice known as Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. The Japanese practice this regularly where they mindfully walk through the forest in a slow gentle pace without phones or any other distractions. They take the time to soak up the surrounding nature, listening to every noise, touching, smelling and truly experiencing the natural environment. There are even studies done that show forest bathing to increase our levels of natural killer (NK) cells, which are key in combating cancer and viral infections.

Hiking as an accessible and social getaway

Travelling abroad for vacation can be expensive and a hassle, while hiking feels like a mini (and affordable) get-away for many Lebanese. The hikes typically start early in the morning where hikers get into a coach bus. They usually stop for breakfast in a bakery first, then continue to the hiking destination point where they are dropped off with their guide. They walk for several hours, stop for lunch, walk some more and by the afternoon they are ready to depart back by bus. All in all, it is a full day activity that is enjoyable, social (people talk to each other and often forge friendships) and a great way to get your steps in.

Exploring history, culture, and pilgrimage on foot

In Lebanon hiking trails often pass by ancient monasteries, Phoenician and Roman ruins, Crusader forts and charming old villages, which makes hikers more connected to the landscape through Lebanon’s rich history and culture. The hikes feel more meaningful when there is so much to learn and see while getting exercise. Hiking is Lebanon is also integrated to specific activities such as snowshoeing during winter, fruit picking in summer, wine tasting in wineries or camping under the stars for overnight hikes. Soon, the Darb Mar Charbel Trail will be officially launched which will hopefully encourage a surge of new hikers. The 130 km trail will be the first long distance pilgrimage trail in Lebanon. Inspired by the famous Camino de Santiago, the footpath covers the key sights connected to the revered Lebanese Saint Charbel. The combination of hiking and religious tourism, which is a growing sector globally, is already showing great potential in Lebanon, thanks to a wealth of religious heritage sites all over the country.

With so many hiking trails and official guides available in Lebanon, walking in nature has become Lebanon’s unifying national sport that is only gaining in popularity. With enviable climate and nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, there is really no excuse to not put on our walking shoes and get trekking. “Why be trapped in a gym indoors, when you can get a great work out walking while surrounded by breathtaking nature?,” insists Aoun.