Piton des Neiges
The highest peak in the Indian Ocean at 3,070 metres. A two-day climb to the summit to watch the sunrise reveals three great cirques and a sea of clouds below.
Piton des Neiges is an extinct ancient volcano at 3,070 metres, the highest point of all the islands in the Indian Ocean. Its three great cirques were formed by collapse and erosion of the mountain. The most common way to climb it is a two-day trip. On the first day, start from the Le Bloc trailhead near Cilaos and climb about 1,200 metres in 3 to 4 hours to the Gîte de la Caverne Dufour hut at 2,478 metres. Beds and dinner must be booked in advance. On the second day, get up at about 3 a.m. and climb in the dark for 1.5 to 2 hours to see the sunrise from the summit. On a clear day you can see the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, the three cirques and even the coastline. Afterwards, return the same way, or go down through the Bélouve forest to Hell-Bourg in Salazie. The trail is mostly loose stone and steps, so a good level of fitness is needed. Temperatures at the summit often drop below 0°C, so bring a down jacket, headlamp, gloves and plenty of water. Fit hikers can also do a return trip in one day, but they usually miss the sunrise. The climb itself is free, and hut fees are listed on the official website.
Opening hours
Open all day (hiking; mountain huts require booking)
Nearby sights
- Cirque de Cilaos
- Cirque de Salazie & Hell-Bourg
- Bélouve Forest
- Cirque de Mafate
- Voile de la Mariée
- Trou de Fer
- Maïdo Viewpoint
- Grand Bassin