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(1650m, 48km from Beirut)
Barouk, a pleasant summer town with abundant springs. The Cedars of
Barouk, reached from either Moukhtara or Barouk village, are smaller and younger than those of
Bsharreh, but extremely beautiful and well cared for. Above the grove at the summit of the mountain there is a panoramic view overlooking the Beqaa valley.
Another cedar grove can be found on Mount Maaser above the picturesque
village of Maaser Esh-Shouf, reached via Deir el-Qamar, Bhamdoun or
Moukhtara. Maaser, which means "presses" in Arabic, is known for
its arak, an anise flavored grape alcohol. The mountaintop here also has a
spectacular view that extends over much of the Beqaa. Together, the
forests of Barouk, Maaser esh-Shouf and Ain Zhalta form a reserve
of over two million cedar trees. More than 112 species of birds, 16
species of other trees and 24 species of wild mammals are also protected
in this area, which accounts for five percent of Lebanon's territory.
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