Qurnat as Sawda'
Mountain Lebanon's highest mountain peak in Mount Lebanon range
Qurnat as Sawda’ is Lebanon’s highest summit in the Mount Lebanon range, rising over 3,000 metres. Climbers and hikers tackle its routes for high‑altitude views, seasonal snow and panoramas across the Mediterranean and inland ranges.
Qurnat as Sawda’ is the highest mountain in Lebanon, reaching roughly 3,088 metres, and forms part of the Mount Lebanon range in the country’s north. It is a focal point for mountaineering, seasonal hiking and alpine scenery within Lebanon.
The mountain has steep limestone and karst terrain with alpine pastures and rock outcrops near the summit; routes to the top are used by local and visiting hikers. It has been a recognised geographic high point of Lebanon and is often climbed as a day or multi-day expedition depending on the access route and weather.
Qurnat as Sawda’ lies in the North Governorate of Lebanon within the broader Mount Lebanon massif and is accessed from mountain roads and village trailheads in the surrounding districts.
- Height and appeal: At about 3,088 metres above sea level it is the highest point in Lebanon and in the Mount Lebanon range, attracting hikers and climbers in summer months.
How to Get to Qurnat as Sawda' #
Qurnat as Sawda’ (Qurnat as Sawda) is the highest peak in Lebanon located in the Mount Lebanon range above the Cedars/Bcharre area. The usual approach is by road to the mountain towns (Bcharre/Ehden or the Cedars reserve) and then on foot along marked mountain trails to the summit.
From Beirut it is a multi‑hour drive north into the mountains; local guides, trail maps and weather checks are recommended before attempting the hike.
Tips for Visiting Qurnat as Sawda' #
- Aim for late spring through early autumn for the most reliable, snow‑free summit conditions; start early in the morning from your chosen trailhead because weather on Qurnat as Sawda' can change rapidly and become cold even in summer.
- Unless you know the mountain routes well, go with a local mountain guide or an organized group - paths and signage can be sparse in places and a guide improves safety and route‑finding while also avoiding the busiest weekend tracts.
Best Time to Visit Qurnat as Sawda' #
Best visited in late spring through early autumn for hiking when mountain routes are usually snow-free; winters bring significant snow and alpine conditions.
Weather & Climate near Qurnat as Sawda' #
Qurnat as Sawda''s climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (837 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (157 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 3°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 5°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 5°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 3°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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