Rising to 3,088 meters, Qurnat as Sawda (also spelled Qornet el Sawda) is the highest point in Lebanon—a remote, windswept summit that defines the northern skyline of the Mount Lebanon range.
🗻 A Peak Above All
Located near the famous Cedars of God, Qurnat as Sawda sits in a rugged, less-visited part of the country. Unlike Lebanon’s bustling coastal cities, this is a place of silence and scale—where rocky ridgelines stretch into the horizon and clouds drift below your feet.
From the summit, on a clear day, you can take in a sweeping panorama:
- The Mediterranean Sea shimmering to the west
- The fertile Bekaa Valley to the east
- The distant ridges edging toward Syria
❄️ Snow in the Middle East
What surprises many travelers is the climate. Qurnat as Sawda is snow-covered for much of the year, often from late autumn into spring. This makes it part of a unique Middle Eastern landscape—where alpine conditions exist just a short drive from the sea.
In winter, the area transforms into a quiet snowfield, far removed from the ski crowds of resorts like Mzaar Kfardebian. Here, it’s just wind, snow, and vastness.
🥾 Reaching the Summit
Climbing Qurnat as Sawda isn’t highly technical, but it demands preparation. The routes are long, exposed, and often unmarked.
Most hikers approach from:
- The Cedars region (Bsharri side)
- The Bekaa side via Hermel
Expect:
- A full-day trek
- Rapid weather changes
- Limited infrastructure
This is not a casual stroll—it’s a true mountain experience.
🌍 Why It Matters
Qurnat as Sawda is more than just Lebanon’s highest peak. It represents a different image of the country—one that contrasts sharply with its urban energy and ancient ruins.
📝 QuixoticGuide Note
Standing on Qurnat as Sawda feels like standing at the edge of perception. Lebanon—so often reduced to headlines—reveals itself here as something quieter, grander, and far less understood.