The Cedars of God
The Cedars of God
4.5
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An ancient grove of cedars, the oldest in Lebanon, makes a beautiful site.
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12 within 5 kms
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7 within 10 kms
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- VinnieLondonDoha, Qatar11,685 contributionsBeautiful nature spot worth the trip outAround 2 hour drive from Beirut depending on traffic and snow conditions in the mountains. Day of visit was a beautiful clear day with stunning views and a balmy 20 plus degrees. Unfortunately due to the high snowfall it wasn’t possible to access the small forest on foot but as previous visitors commented there are far more impressive cedar forests but these are the oldest and in a spectacular location. Lots of souvenir and Lebanese sweets/foods stalls in vicinity and few cafes. Beautiful nature spot well worth the trip out from Beirut.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 5 March 2023
- CasaRoscoeOttawa, Canada236 contributionsNot as Awe-Inspiring as HopedBe aware that it is a long drive from Beirut to see a small grove of trees. Indeed, there are a lot fewer than one would expect. Fortunately the area is beautiful and there are other things to do in the dramatic Qadisha Valley. We visited in March with about 40cm of snow on the ground and the path through the cedars that others have written about was not open. There was no apparent signage to explain what we were seeing. One massive and impressive cedar stands amidst the shops selling wooden souvenirs, but the other trees on the hillside, when viewed from the roadway, did not make much of an impact. We spent about 15 minutes onsite.Visited March 2023Written 11 March 2023
- alisjak7Ljubljana, Slovenia39 contributionsInterestingFirst of all be aware that it takes a long ride to get here and you will most probably spend more time on the road than in the forest itself. What is really impressive is not the quantity but the age if these trees. It is a special feeling to stand there, smell the scent and enjoy the silence. If there is snow, you are very limited and you see even less. There is a good restaurant with a view over the forest and a few souvenir stalls.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 April 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Gaby85🇱🇧🇫🇷🇬🇧🇩🇪
Beirut, Lebanon4,231 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
The Forest of the Cedars of God, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers an area of 10.2 ha, two hours from Beirut, 112 kilometers from Beirut, at an altitude of 2,193 meters above sea level and is often combined with day trips from Beirut to Qadisha Valley, Byblos or Bsharri. Entrance fees 100,000 LBP
Written 8 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alisjak7
Ljubljana, Slovenia39 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
First of all be aware that it takes a long ride to get here and you will most probably spend more time on the road than in the forest itself. What is really impressive is not the quantity but the age if these trees. It is a special feeling to stand there, smell the scent and enjoy the silence. If there is snow, you are very limited and you see even less. There is a good restaurant with a view over the forest and a few souvenir stalls.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CasaRoscoe
Ottawa, Canada236 contributions
Mar 2023
Be aware that it is a long drive from Beirut to see a small grove of trees. Indeed, there are a lot fewer than one would expect. Fortunately the area is beautiful and there are other things to do in the dramatic Qadisha Valley. We visited in March with about 40cm of snow on the ground and the path through the cedars that others have written about was not open. There was no apparent signage to explain what we were seeing. One massive and impressive cedar stands amidst the shops selling wooden souvenirs, but the other trees on the hillside, when viewed from the roadway, did not make much of an impact. We spent about 15 minutes onsite.
Written 11 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VinnieLondon
Doha, Qatar11,685 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Around 2 hour drive from Beirut depending on traffic and snow conditions in the mountains. Day of visit was a beautiful clear day with stunning views and a balmy 20 plus degrees. Unfortunately due to the high snowfall it wasn’t possible to access the small forest on foot but as previous visitors commented there are far more impressive cedar forests but these are the oldest and in a spectacular location. Lots of souvenir and Lebanese sweets/foods stalls in vicinity and few cafes. Beautiful nature spot well worth the trip out from Beirut.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Schhel
Kigali, Rwanda172 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
There are actually much bigger cedar forests in the area, with hardly anyone visiting, and where you can do proper walks . This one is small but has the oldest trees and beautiful surroundings.
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Semaan D. Makary
Lebanon519 contributions
Dec 2021 • Friends
The Cedars is one of Lebanon’s most beautiful nature reserves, & home to the oldest Cedar Forest.
The area used to be an immense forest of cedars, cypresses, pines & oaks. Deforestation started in 3000 BC, when the wood was used for vessels, constructions & mummification. Attempts to protect the forest started in the 2nd century, yet deforestation continued!
The area used to be an immense forest of cedars, cypresses, pines & oaks. Deforestation started in 3000 BC, when the wood was used for vessels, constructions & mummification. Attempts to protect the forest started in the 2nd century, yet deforestation continued!
Written 6 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cokina
Beirut, Lebanon573 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
This place makes you feel so tiny in comparison to how enormous the trees are. If only the trees could tell what they have seen in those thousands of years. If you had to choose one place to visit during your trip, it's definitely this one.
Written 3 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim G
Beirut45 contributions
Oct 2020
Very relaxing visit in October. It's a very peaceful experience to walk on the path and see the huge trees. We went on a Sunday and it was quiet though it was pretty busy. There was an outdoor mass at 1pm which we also enjoyed very much. The park is well maintained. You can feel at one with nature there.
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HibaFz
Beirut, Lebanon18 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Gorgeous forest of majestic cedar trees, the symbol of Lebanon. It is a must see if you visit this beautiful country. Magnificient old cedars standing out there for thousands of years. Consider visiting Gebran Museum in Becharre in the nearby and hiking in Kadisha valley.
Written 7 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cutelady Baluch
Muscat Governorate, Oman1,714 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
Amazing place . There is No entrance fees , but you only can pay a donation any amount from you ,which help in taking care of this place ..
The place is very spiritual,and you can sit inside the forest and enjoy watching a giant trees, the air and the breeze inside the forest are cool and Amazing. Inside the forest there is a old church.
The place is very spiritual,and you can sit inside the forest and enjoy watching a giant trees, the air and the breeze inside the forest are cool and Amazing. Inside the forest there is a old church.
Written 10 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inesolama
Cairo, Egypt1 contribution
We're going to Lebanon next week and we're visiting the Cedars of God and Bcharre. Is there already snow over there or is it still not this time of the year?
Grant Kristoffer
South Africa196 contributions
It has only started to get colder here in Lebanon now. Snow will typically start in December. So, currently there is no snow.
cristinas741
Italy24 contributions
Does anybody know if the road between Baalbek and Bcharre is now open (mid-late march 2018). Or still closed due to the snow? Thank you very much. Cristina
charbs1
Beirut, Lebanon399 contributions
It will surely be open.
Rodney K
1 contribution
A group of 100 students want to visit the reserve mid March, wat kind of arrangements shud be made ? Shud we contact somebody?? Seek permission?? Or just go?
UNNIMAYA
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates599 contributions
I don't think you need to make any prior arrangements- just go and enjoy
Boudi
Cairo, Egypt144 contributions
Is there any place to ski for beginners at Cedar God? How much it cost ?
charbs1
Beirut, Lebanon399 contributions
yes there are slopes for different levels.
the tariffs are (I am not 100% sure) but very close to this:
Week-ends : 40 USD per day
Week days : 30 USD per day (no half day)
Students : 26$ (school) to 30$ (university)
Boudi
Cairo, Egypt144 contributions
We are a going as a group in the middle of February. Want hike and picnic. Is the place allow barbecue ?? Is the hike in February need special equipment? How is weather at this time ? Thanks
charbs1
Beirut, Lebanon399 contributions
Hello,
The weather in Feb is cold of course, might be snowing, you can always check a couple of days earlier... you don't need much equipment, except maybe snowshoes if there is a lot of snow and some good clothes. You can check the weather online a couple of days earlier. BBQs are not allowed in the reserve. The slopes are nearby the reserve as well. So you can hit the slopes as well.
Hope this helps.
Rania M
Tunis, Tunisia
Is the forest open on monday?
COOPSTheNaughtyNomad
New York City, NY75 contributions
I believe so
Nada A
Cairo, Egypt33 contributions
How do i get there from Beirut?
Sara K
London, UK95 contributions
There are 2 ways to get to the cedars. One way is to drive there yourself. If you ate used to crazy middle east driving then you should be OK. You take the highway north of of Beirut towards Tripoli. About 30km before Tripoli at a place called Chikka you turn up the mountain. You carry on up the mountain until you teach the cedars. It's reasonably well sign posted. The drive there will probably take you an hour and a half.
Alternatively you can go on a guided tour. That is my personal choice and I went last week with one of the local tour operators. I don't know if I'm allowed to advertise who they are on Trip Advisor but they have been in the business since about 1950 something. The trip cost $85 and included a visit to the Gebran museum and the Holy Valley with the ancient monestry. It also included a well informed guide and lunch. Enjoy!
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Claim your listingThe Cedars of God - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Cedars of God
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience The Cedars of God:
- Cedars of Lebanon, Qozhaya, & Bcharre - With Lunch (4G on Board) (From HK$693.95)
- Small-Group Tour with Lunch to Qadisha Valley, Bcharre and Cedars (From HK$740.73)
- Private Full-Day Tour to Qadisha valley, Cedars of God and Baalbek from Beirut (From HK$1,169.58)
- Guided Small-Group Tour to Qadisha, Bcharee & Cedars with Lunch (From HK$506.82)
- Bcharre - Qadisha Valley & Cedars Forest From Beirut (From HK$467.83)
- Hotels near The Cedars of God:
- (0.44 km) Cedars Palace
- (0.68 km) Le Cedrus Hotel
- (0.62 km) Le Notre Hotel & Ski Resort
- (0.14 km) Eagle Nest - Duplex Apartment on 1st Floor
- (0.84 km) Alpine Hotel
- Restaurants near The Cedars of God:
- (0.09 km) Cafe Des Cedres
- (0.67 km) Cedars Heaven
- (0.87 km) Le Châtel
- (2.59 km) River Rock Restaurant
- (1.75 km) Makhlouf Elie Restaurant