Loop Around the Qâa er Rîm Mountain

The plan for this hike was to start from Qaa-El-Rim and go all the way to Chmistar.

The itinirary was starting from Qaa-El-Rim, climb to the Qaa-El-Rim cross, get on the crest of the mountain and continue on it all the way to the second cross, then to the top of the valley.
From there, we would have continued on the north by north-east corridor, crossed the Kfar-Debian road and then followed the trail that turns gradually east towards Chmistar (total about 25km).

Unfortunatly we had to cut our plan short and turn back at the way-point "Turn-Around point".
This was due to several factors.
The climb took much longer than anticipated. Although the path appears simple enough, in reality it is very slow progress because you have to carefully navigate your way across the many troughs and peaks and around various rock formations.
It took 3:30 hours to cross a distance of just under 9km.
We were also running-out of daylight because we had started the hike late (it was already 15:30).
Finally, my buddy was feeling miserable due to the onset of the effects of food poisoning.

The return leg runs opposite, parallel, and to the east of the outbound leg.
The trail is easy to follow as it is clear and well defined, although we did it at snail pace to accommodate for my stoic buddy's symptoms (weak, dizzy, nauseous and refusing to quit).
There are very steep descents as can be seen from the "zig-zag" paths but otherwise nothing difficult.
This area is very beautiful due to its many fruit trees, its colorful stratified rock formation, and the mosaic of lights from the multitude of Bekaa small towns glittering in the distance at dusk.
One note of caution though is be especially aware of the dogs at the way-point "Dogs!".
We counted no less than ten dogs barking at the top of their lungs while sneaking-up on us in a threatening manner.
We managed to keep them at bay by waiving stones and sticks at them but that didn't prevent them staying after us even when we were well clear of the property they we guarding.
Eventually, the path turns south-west and the Qaa-El-Rim cross comes into view. It is illuminated at night and serves as a beacon.
Once you get to it, Qaa-El-Rim reveals itself below you in all its night-time beauty.
Work you way down while enjoying the view.
Total moving time: 7:00
L.