In the area around Hermel, there are several eco-lodging options. All of them offer traditional, yet comfortable Bedouin accommodation, including breakfast and home cooked meals.
Generally, they are open all year round. Spending a day or more in one of the eco-lodges is an opportunity to explore the area, or alternatively, to enjoy the beauty, peace and silence of the environment.
While a selection is made below, an overview of all eco-lodges can be found on www.tarhal.org. Reservation is advised.
Located 10 kilometers north of Hermel, this eco-lodge is run by a collection of local women and consists of three traditional houses with mud chimneys. It also offers activities such as hiking, rafting, biking, rock climbing, snowshoeing and cooking. Accommodation, including three meals and a guided hike, is 43 USD/night and 80 USD/2 nights. For bed and breakfast, expect to pay 20 USD/night and 37 USD/2 nights. To reach the eco-lodge from Hermel, head to the village square facing the municipality and take the right road leading through the souqs. Al-Kwakh is located after about 10 kilometer.
Located 2100 meters above sea level and 27 kilometers west of Hermel, this eco-lodge offers fully equipped four to ten person Bedouin bungalow tents with shared bathrooms. For one night (two days), including three home cooked meals, it charges 90,000 LBP per person during the weekend and 75,000 on weekdays. You can also bring your own tent. Organized activities include trekking, cycling and donkey riding. The eco-lodge is only open in summer. If desired, transportation can be arranged from Hermel.
Offering two, three and four person rooms in mud huts with hot showers, this eco-lodge is beautifully situated in the heart of the Lazzab forest, about 20 kilometers southwest of Hermel. Prices, including three meals and a guided hike, are 40 USD/night in summer and 50 USD/night in winter, with discounts in case of longer stays. Lazzab also offers one to three day hiking trips and if desired you can camp there by planting your own tent for 5 USD/night. To get there by car from Hermel, turn left at the Serail and the Lebanese Canadian Bank. Then, continue up and in southwest direction for 15 kilometers until you reach the end of Wadi el-Karm. From there, the lodge is signposted. The lodge can also be reached from Bcharre and Oyoun Orghosh, although parts of this route are only suitable for a 4x4. Another option is to arrange a pick-up either from Hermel for 5 USD per person or from Beirut for groups of eight persons (15 USD per person).