
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Damascus, Dimashq, Syria
1. Qalamoun Nature Reserve
A biodiverse reserve offering challenging hikes through forests and mountains with stunning views of the Golan Heights.
- Unique Flora & Fauna: Home to rare plants like the Lebanon Cedar and a variety of wildlife.
- Challenging Terrain: Includes steep slopes and rocky paths suitable for experienced hikers.
- Breathtaking Scenery: Offers panoramic views of the Golan Heights, making it a perfect spot for photography.
2. Al-Jabal Al-Aswad (The Black Stone Mountain)
An enigmatic mountain featuring caves and a labyrinthine network of tunnels, perfect for adventurous hikers.
- Historical Significance: Believed to have been inhabited since prehistoric times and associated with numerous legends.
- Cave Exploration: Allows hikers to explore ancient caves filled with intriguing artifacts and stalactites.
- Challenging Hiking Trails: Features steep, rocky terrain that requires a good level of physical fitness.
3. Jabal Saidnaya Nature Reserve
A beautiful nature reserve boasting dense forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
- Abundant Wildlife: Home to numerous bird species, deer, foxes, and even wild boars.
- Variety of Trails: Offers a range of hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
- Scenic Waterfalls: Features several picturesque waterfalls perfect for relaxing picnics.
4. Jabal al-Qaaf Mountain Range
A breathtaking mountain range offering challenging hikes and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
- Stunning Scenery: Features towering cliffs, verdant valleys, and pristine forests.
- Challenging Trails: Includes steep slopes, rocky terrain, and narrow paths suitable for experienced hikers.
- Wildlife Encounters: Possibility of spotting diverse wildlife such as wolves, eagles, and foxes.
5. Jabal Al-Ansariyyeh
A sacred mountain with significant religious significance, offering spiritual hikes and panoramic views of Damascus.
- Religious Significance: Holds special importance for followers of various religions.
- Spiritual Hiking Experience: A unique and spiritual hike, with several religious sites along the way.
- Stunning City Views: Offers breathtaking views of Damascus from its summit.
6. Jabal Shayzar
A beautiful and challenging hike leading to ancient ruins and stunning vistas.
- Ancient Ruins: Hike to the ruins of Shayzar Castle, dating back to the 1st century BCE.
- Challenging Terrain: Includes steep climbs and rocky paths suitable for experienced hikers.
- Scenic Vistas: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its summit.
7. Jabal Hawran
A vast and scenic mountain range offering diverse hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Diverse Trails: Offers a variety of hiking trails catering to different skill levels.
- Wildlife Spotting: Possibility of spotting rare species such as the Syrian Brown Bear and Arabian Oryx.
- Scenic Vistas: Features breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and plateaus.
8. Jabal Al-Akrad (The Pine Mountain)
A lush mountain range offering challenging hikes through pine forests and scenic vistas.
- Lush Forests: Features dense pine forests providing a cool respite from the summer heat.
- Challenging Terrain: Includes steep slopes and rocky paths suitable for experienced hikers.
- Scenic Vistas: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its summit.
9. Jabal Al-Ba'albak (The Iron Mountain)
A mountain with historical significance and challenging hiking trails leading to stunning vistas.
- Historical Significance: Believed to have been the site of ancient battles, including the Battle of Yarmouk.
- Challenging Trails: Includes steep climbs and rocky paths suitable for experienced hikers.
- Stunning Vistas: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from its summit.
10. Jabal Al-Zabadani
A challenging hike through lush forests and historic ruins with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Lush Forests: Features dense, verdant forests providing a cool respite from the summer heat.
- Historic Ruins: Hike through the historic ruins of Zabadani Castle and the old city.
- Stunning Vistas: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from its summit.
11. Jabal Al-Qadmus (The Old Mountain)
A historical mountain with challenging hiking trails offering panoramic views of Damascus.
- Historical Significance: Has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is associated with several legends.
- Challenging Trails: Includes steep slopes and rocky paths suitable for experienced hikers.
- Stunning Vistas: Offers breathtaking views of Damascus from its summit.
12. Jabal Al-Turkman (The Turkmen Mountain)
A mountain offering challenging hikes through forests and historic ruins with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Historic Ruins: Hike through the historic ruins of Crusader castles and a Byzantine monastery.
- Lush Forests: Features dense forests providing a cool respite from the summer heat.
- Stunning Vistas: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from its summit.
13. Jabal Al-Nafa (The Sweat Mountain)
A mountain offering challenging hikes through steep terrain with thermal springs at the summit.
- Challenging Terrain: Includes steep climbs and rocky paths suitable for experienced hikers.
- Thermal Springs: Features natural thermal springs at the summit, providing a relaxing experience.
- Stunning Vistas: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from its summit.
14. Jabal Al-Ashsha (The Ash Sha Mountain)
A mountain offering challenging hikes through rugged terrain with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Challenging Terrain: Includes steep climbs and rocky paths suitable for experienced hikers.
- Scenic Vistas: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from its summit.
- Historical Significance: Associated with ancient legends and believed to have been inhabited since prehistoric times.
15. Jabal Al-Ward (The Oasis Mountain)
A mountain featuring an oasis at its summit, offering a refreshing break during hikes.
- Refreshing Oasis: Features an oasis at the summit, providing a cool respite from the summer heat.
- Challenging Terrain: Includes steep climbs and rocky paths suitable for experienced hikers.
- Scenic Vistas: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from its summit.