Latakia, Feb. 27 (SANA) – The Syrian Association for Mountain Activities organized an exploratory hike on Friday to Chalma Peak in the Kesab area of northern Latakia, with around 25 participants from several provinces.
Association chairman Ibrahim Saud said the hike aimed to promote outdoor recreation and highlight the natural features of the Kesab region, a popular mountain destination near the Turkish border. The two‑kilometer route runs through the Hemoley mountain range, known locally as the Chalma mountains, which rise to about 950 meters.
Saud said such activities help encourage eco‑tourism and raise awareness about safety and environmental protection during outdoor excursions. The association’s deputy head, Samouel al‑Jardi, noted that Chalma Peak offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean and Jabal al‑Akrad, making it a favored spot for hikers.
Participants described Kesab as an attractive year‑round destination thanks to its cooler climate, dense forests and varied hiking trails. The town lies about 65 kilometers north of Latakia and is considered one of the province’s key nature‑tourism areas.
