Al-Kwakh – plural for hut in English – is a village located in northern Bekaa near Hermel. It stands out as a responsible tourism destination that promises visitors a remarkable experience and an authentic stay thanks to a group of active local women. Located at an altitude of 800m and overlooking the Eastern Lebanon Mountain Range with captivating views, Al-Kwakh is a traditional Lebanese eco-lodge consisting of three guesthouses ready to receive you all year long.
Events & Activities:
There are various activities that you can enjoy either on-site or in the surrounding areas, allowing you to better explore the region and appreciate its hidden pleasures.
? Hiking: A wide array of tours with varying
levels of difficulty and treks stretching for
several days.
? Sports: Rafting, biking, rock climbing,
snowshoeing, back-country skiing, donkey-back
riding, etc.
? Cultural and natural exploration:
Discovery of the fauna and flora, visits to nearby archaeological ruins…etc
Abundant herb picking in collaboration with the women from the Cooperative
Meal cooking Or very simply, reading and relaxing…
Lodging:
The three old houses that will accommodate you have been renovated in a subtle manner so as topreserve their traditional flair. Each house is equipped with a traditional mud chimney to keep you warm in the cold wintry days, with a ceiling made of juniper wood poles. Seating is on rug- covered floor. The natural bedding is in line with
the traditional Arabic style. Local female residents themselves make the covers and pillows from goat hair. The three houses altogether can accommodate a total of 15 to 20 persons.
Meals:
Women from the village cooperative – Assindyan – are experts at preparing mouthwatering meals from a wide range of organic products and traditional recipes, in support of local producers. Meals present you with the opportunity to interact with the local residents in a convivial atmosphere. You will also enjoy the unique “Al Tannour” experience, a traditional oven that allows you to taste freshly baked Lebanese bread. If you are planning to go on a hike, you are entitled to a “meal basket” (Zouwede) also prepared by the women from the cooperative.
Cost:
Prices and packages (year 2009 – in $/ person)
| 1 night | 2 nights | |
| - Bed & Breakfast: | 20 $ | 37 $ |
| - Lunch: | 8 $ | 6$ |
| - Dinner: | 8 $ | 6$ |
| -Simple package: | Lodging+ 3 meals+ guided Hike    43 $ | 80 $ |
| - Laundry Services: | 2 $ per piece | |
Access:
Trip duration: 3 hours
Beirut – Baalbeck – Hermel – Bouwaida – Al-Kwakh.
Once in Hermel, head to the village square facing the municipality then take the road to the right through the souk. Al-Kwakh is located at a 10-km distance.
Public transportation is available via mini-buses from Beirut to Hermel and vice versa.