The remote Yammouneh Nature Reserve is a wide fertile valley surrounded by mountains on all sides and a very popular destination in spring and summer. Its shallow fresh water pools attract a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The large Yammouneh Lake is fed by Ain Arbaeen - the spring of the Forty Martyrs - and transforms into a mud-caked plain after summer. On the side of the lake, alongside the running water, are some shaded cafes and the few remains of a Roman temple. The small village of Yammouneh is near the south side of the lake.
To reach the reserve from Baalbek, take the road northwest toward Bcharre. Instead of turning right at the checkpoint past Deir el-Ahmar, turn left toward Yammouneh village. Duration: 30 min.
For hiking in the area, check whether a trip is organized by one of the local travel organizations, such as Born2Hike. Click here for contact details and more information.