Le Pouce Mountain Trail : Hidden Secrets of Mauritius’s Thumb Peak

Le Pouce Mountain – A Scenic Hike to One of Mauritius’ Most Iconic Peaks

Le Pouce Mountain stands as Mauritius’s third highest peak at 812 meters (2664 feet), resembling a giant thumb reaching toward the sky. Only Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (828 m) and Pieter Both (820 m) surpass its impressive height, though Le Pouce offers arguably the most accessible summit experience for hikers seeking breathtaking views.

Located in the Mocha Range near the village of La Laura-Malenga in the Mocha District, Le Pouce Mountain hiking trail presents a perfect balance of challenge and accessibility. This natural wonder formed ten million years ago in a basalt lava dome, creating the distinctive thumb-like shape that gives the mountain its name. For adventurous travelers, climbing Le Pouce Mountain provides an unforgettable experience that typically takes between 1-2 hours to complete. Though the Le Pouce Mountain hike covers approximately 4.5km return from the Saint-Pierre car park with an elevation gain of about 412m, most hikers find it moderately challenging rather than exhausting. At the summit, visitors experience what many describe as “feeling like you are on top of the world” – a fitting reward for those who make the journey to this Mauritian landmark.

How to Reach Le Pouce Mountain Trailhead

Getting to Le Pouce Mountain is straightforward, making this remarkable hiking adventure accessible for both tourists and locals. The mountain is situated in the central region of Mauritius in Petit Verger, Saint Pierre, approximately 20 minutes from Port Louis, 50 minutes from Mahebourg, or 1 hour and 45 minutes from Le Morne.

Travelers have several transportation options to reach the Le Pouce Mountain hiking trail. Public busses run regularly from Port Louis and Saint Pierre, with tickets costing between Rs 17-44 per trip (approximately USD 1). When taking the bus, ask the driver to drop you off at Petit Verger along Bois Cheri Road. From the bus stop on the main road, you’ll need to walk about 1 kilometer to reach the actual trailhead.

For those who prefer independence, renting a car costs around Rs 1,000 per day. This option provides flexibility to explore other attractions in Mauritius before or after your hike.

The Le Pouce Mountain trail can be approached from two directions:

• North route: Starting from Port Louis
• South route: Beginning from Mocha/Saint Pierre

Most visitors opt for the south route as it starts at a higher elevation and covers less than half the distance of the north approach. Additionally, the trails can be connected for a through-hike with public transport available at both ends.

If driving from Saint Pierre, follow Bois Cheri Road (B47) until you reach a narrow side road on your right near the end. This road, marked as “Le Pouce Road,” leads to a free parking area that accommodates approximately 50 vehicles. Alternatively, from the M1 highway, head toward Mocha and watch for a sign reading “Le Pouce / Nouvelle Découverte” about 150 meters after the Mont Desert Alma roundabout.

Remember that petty theft from parked vehicles has been reported in the area, so avoid leaving valuables visible in your car. With proper planning, reaching Le Pouce Mountain trailhead becomes the first exciting step in conquering this magnificent peak.

What to Expect on the Le Pouce Mountain Hike

The trail experience at Le Pouce Mountain perfectly balances challenge with reward, making it an ideal adventure for both novice and experienced hikers. This 4.2-kilometer out-and-back trail features an elevation gain of 369 meters and typically takes around 2 hours to complete, although some hikers report needing between 3-4 hours for the full round trip.

Despite being described as moderately challenging, most sections of the hike remain accessible to beginners. However, the terrain varies considerably throughout your journey. The initial portion winds through dense, shady forest, gradually opening up to reveal increasingly spectacular views as you ascend.

Along the way, hikers encounter various terrain types – from gravel paths and hard-packed mud to larger stones that can become slippery, especially after rainfall. Consequently, sturdy footwear is essential for safely navigating these changing conditions.

Upon reaching the first plateau, hikers face a choice: continue left toward Port Louis or right toward the summit. Further up, a second plateau offers a perfect resting spot to catch your breath while admiring the panoramic vistas.

The final ascent presents the most demanding segment of the journey. This steep section requires some scrambling, using both hands and feet. Nevertheless, those who persevere are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views encompassing Port Louis, the northern plains, and even nearby islands.

From the summit, hikers can spot several landmarks including Le Morne, Coin de Mire, and Pieter Both Mountain with its distinctive boulder-topped peak. Indeed, many consider this viewpoint among the finest on the island for appreciating Mauritius’s dramatic topography.

While challenging in terms of cardiovascular exertion, particularly during the last ascent, the hike remains accessible year-round. Moreover, the descent requires extra caution, especially when the ground is wet.

For those seeking an authentic Mauritian adventure without extreme difficulty, climbing Le Pouce Mountain delivers an unforgettable experience with views that thoroughly justify every step of effort.