I was supposed to do this trek with a guide, but had to cancel the morning of this hike as I spent most of the night awake. I’m not sure what happened exactly, but I’m quite certain it was an allergy to moth balls. Yep, of all things, moth balls. Many accommodations use them across India and they’re full of chemicals. For some of you, the smell might be nostalgic of your grandma’s cupboards.
The day previously, I had been hiking around the area and frolicking in the nature, feeling happy as a bee in honey. Everything was great until it was time to sleep.
Once I laid down and attempted to nod off, the sneezing started from out of nowhere. My nose turned into a running tap, followed by uncomfortable wheezing from my chest. The symptoms lasted all night, and I felt tired and miserable in the morning.
After a few moments of self-pity, I decided it would be better just do the Triund Trek. I was concerned it would develop into a cold, and I wouldn’t have the energy to make it over the Indera Pass, so figured I’d settle with the hike to Triud which I’d still manage even if I was feeling under the weather.
Regardless, the beauty that unfolded on the Triund Trek, and the view from the top, was enough to literally unblock my nose so I could smell the nature (also… there’s no nasty moths balls in nature so that helped!).
I’m sure I can also attribute feeling good with all the endorphins that came along with extra supply of oxygen as my breathing rate naturally increased from all the hiking!