Mount Lebanon is a climb of 25.3 kilometers (hors catégorie). Mount Lebanon tops out at 2,114 m above sea level. It is located in Bzal, محافظة عكار, لبنان. The average gradient is 7.4% with a maximum of 20.3%. The climb has 1860 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: This HC climb, 25.3 km long with 1860 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 7.4%, demands a sustained effort from start to finish. The first three kilometres are particularly steep, with 12%, 11% and then 10%, before a more rolling section between km 7 and 9 (2 to 3%). The real crux comes between km 16 and km 22, where the gradient hits 10 to 13% over six consecutive kilometres, just when the fatigue starts to build up.
Pacing tips:
1. Don't go into the red. In the first three kilometres at 10-12%, settle into a sustainable cadence so you reach km 7 with your head clear.
2. Recover in the rolling sections. Make the most of km 7 to 9 (2 to 3%) and km 4 to 5 (3%) to drink, eat and get your breath back before the hard sections.
3. Save something for the final block. Between km 18 and 20, where the gradient rises to 12-13%, pace yourself, then kick on again in the easier part from km 22 to 25 (between 3 and 6%) to finish strong.
For the riders who've climbed it, the ascent of Mount Lebanon is one that sticks with you. Many describe breathtaking scenery, with its preserved cedar forests, crisp mountain air and natural beauty they call "ultimate." The place feels almost magical, able to "touch the soul" and giving the impression of finding a home that is both new and old at once.
The atmosphere is unique, deeply tied to Lebanese culture. Some riders even recommend loading up a Fairouz playlist and bringing manaeesh for the picnic for total immersion. The welcome is described as warm, adding to the authentic feel of the ride.
That said, the reports don't shy away from the downsides. One comment explicitly mentions litter ("zbale"), a reminder that cleanliness can sometimes be an issue at the site. It's a realistic note that tempers the idyllic picture and points to the challenges the area can face.
Still, the overall feeling that comes through is a huge love for the place. Riders use words like "epic," "fantastic" or "magnificent" to sum up their adventure, concluding that the beauty and majesty of the mountain are simply captivating.
25.3 km • 1860 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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