The Cedars of God are one of the last groves of the cedar forests that once covered Mount Lebanon. They grow above the town of Bsharri, at the head of the Qadisha Valley, and together the valley and the grove are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bsharri is also where the writer Gibran Khalil Gibran was born and is buried, so one trip covers the trees, his museum, and the monasteries cut into the valley below. It is about two and a half hours from Beirut, which makes it a long day trip or an easy overnight one.
The Cedars of God and Bsharri at a glance
| Stop | Time to allow | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cedars of God grove | About 1 hour | Small entrance fee or donation; usually open from about 10:00 to 18:00 |
| Gibran Museum, Bsharri | About 1 hour | Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00 |
| Qadisha Valley viewpoints | 20 to 30 minutes | Along the road into Bsharri |
| Monastery of Qozhaya | About 1 hour | Reached by car on a steep road |
| Hike to Qannoubine | 3 to 4 hours there and back | Best in spring and autumn |
The road from Beirut to Bsharri
The usual route follows the coastal highway north to Chekka, then climbs inland through Amioun and the mountain villages to Hasroun and Bsharri, on the rim of the Qadisha Valley. Plan on two to two and a half hours to Bsharri with normal traffic, and another 15 minutes up to the Cedars, which are about 6 km past the town.
The last part is a winding mountain road. In winter, snow can close or slow it, so check the weather the day before. Our Beirut to the Cedars page has the drive in detail.
The Cedars of God
The grove is small enough to walk around in about an hour on a marked path between the trees. Some of the trees are huge and centuries old, and a small chapel stands among them. Entry has been listed both as a small fee in Lebanese pounds and as a donation, so carry small notes.
Visitor listings give opening hours of about 10:00 to 18:00. From around December to April snow covers the grove and access can be limited; the ski slopes are just above it. If you are coming for both, see our guide to skiing in Lebanon from Beirut.
Bsharri and the Gibran Museum
Gibran, author of The Prophet, was born in Bsharri in 1883, and the Gibran Museum stands in the old Mar Sarkis hermitage above the town, where he is buried. It holds the contents of his New York studio, including his furniture, library, and manuscripts, and 440 of his original paintings.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, and on Mondays that fall on a public holiday, according to its museum listing. The ticket is a few dollars, paid in Lebanese pounds.
The Qadisha Valley and its monasteries
Below Bsharri, the Qadisha Valley drops steeply to a river, with monasteries and hermit caves built into its walls. Some are easy to reach and some need a hike:
- The Monastery of Saint Anthony of Qozhaya is the easiest by car, though the road down is steep.
- Mar Lichaa (Saint Elisha) can be reached by car to a parking area, then a walk of about five minutes.
- Our Lady of Qannoubine and Saint Marina are reached on foot, about an hour from Mar Lichaa along the valley floor.
The walk from Mar Lichaa to Qannoubine and back takes three to four hours and is mostly shaded beside the river. April to June and September to October are the best months; in winter, shaded parts of the trails can be icy. Dress modestly for the monasteries.
One day or two?
A day trip from Beirut works if you leave early and keep to the main sights:
- 7:30: leave Beirut.
- 10:00: Qadisha Valley viewpoints on the way into Bsharri.
- 10:30: the Gibran Museum.
- 12:00: the Cedars of God, then lunch in Bsharri or at the Cedars.
- 15:00: start back, to reach Beirut by early evening.
With two days, you can add the Qadisha hike or the Monastery of Qozhaya and stay the night in Bsharri or at the Cedars, where there are small hotels and guesthouses.
When to go
Late spring and early autumn are the best seasons for walking in the valley and around the grove. Summer is cooler than the coast and busier. In winter the area turns into a ski destination, with snow on the grove and the upper road. Bsharri is high in the mountains, so bring a warm layer even in summer evenings.
Getting there from Beirut
There is no direct bus. Without a car, the usual way is a bus from Beirut to Tripoli, then a shared taxi or minibus up to Bsharri, which is slow and depends on connections. Organised day tours also cover Bsharri, the Gibran Museum, and Qozhaya.
With a private driver, you go door to door and stop where you like on the way: the valley viewpoints, the museum, the grove. For a day trip or two days with an overnight stay, send the dates and your plan on WhatsApp, and we reply with a price per car, not per person.
Questions about the Cedars of God
How long is the drive from Beirut to Bsharri?
About two to two and a half hours with normal traffic, plus about 15 minutes up to the Cedars of God.
Is there an entrance fee for the Cedars of God?
A small fee or a donation, depending on the source. Bring small notes in Lebanese pounds or US dollars.
Can I visit the Cedars and Bsharri in one day from Beirut?
Yes, if you leave early and keep to the grove, the Gibran Museum, and the valley viewpoints. A hike or the monasteries need a second day.
