The trek today offers more spectacular views of an array of snowy peaks, from Langtang and Ganesh Himal to the north and the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges to due west. The walk is gradual for an hour as you enter the forest of oak, pine, and rhododendron. After leaving the cool shade of the forest, you will come to a clearing with one or two teahouses, where you can take a refreshing break and take in the excellent view of the Langtang range. The trail continues uphill, leaving the tree line and lush vegetation for dwarf rhododendron, juniper, and alpine shrubs bushes. The walk then leads you uphill, passing by a few teahouses at Laurabina, where you have more views of the northwestern Himalayan range. Laurabina means “place of walking sticks,” as many pilgrims leave their walking sticks behind when they come to the Laurabina yak pass at 4,165 m., not needing them for the subsequent descent to Gosainkunda. The trail descends from Laurabina for a half an hour before it comes to the first of two ponds, Saraswati Kund. A pleasant short walk from Saraswati Kund brings you to Bhiarav Kund, a pristine glacial pond, where you will camp overnight. You can see many traces left behind by pilgrims. During the auspicious time in and around August during the full moon, as per the Nepali lunar calendar, pilgrims come to Gosainkunda to take a ritual bath at Gosainkund pond. The ritual bath is supposed to deliver the bather unto paradise, and a drink of the holy water eradicates the sins of a hundred lifetimes. The Hindu pilgrims come here to change the holy thread they wear. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge