Assi River Rafting

The Assi, the Orontes, rises in the Bekaa and is unusual in the region for flowing north, and the stretch near Hermel is where Lebanon's rafting operates. The rapids are modest, mostly grade two with a few grade three sections depending on flow, which makes the runs accessible to beginners and families rather than a serious whitewater proposition. Riverside restaurants along the banks serve trout and the outing is usually combined with lunch.

What you actually see

• The rapids - grade two runs with a few harder sections at high water.
• The north-flowing river - the Orontes running the opposite way to its neighbours.
• The riverside restaurants - trout places along the banks near the put-in.
• The Bekaa setting - the plain and the Anti-Lebanon range around the valley.

When to go

April to September is the operating season, with the strongest flow in spring. By late summer some sections become too shallow. Winter is out of season and operators close.

Honest expectations

The rapids are gentle by international standards and experienced rafters find them tame. Safety standards vary between operators and equipment should be checked. The drive from Beirut takes over two hours each way.

Nearby

The Hermel pyramid is nearby, and the northern Bekaa runs south.