The Pandavas Dwell on Gandhamadana for Five Years
The Pandavas settle on the slopes of the Himalayas, living on hermit food, fruits, deer meat, and honey. For five years they listen to Lomasha's words, witness marvels, and receive visits from hermits and charanas — a stable period of exile before the mountain's dangers stir.
Vaishampayana answered.
The Pandavas followed Lomasha's instructions faithfully. They lived on the food of hermits — succulent fruits, the meat of deer shot with pure arrows, and different kinds of pure honey. They dwelt on the slopes of the Himalayas, and in this fashion, five years passed.
During those years, they listened to the many words spoken by Lomasha. Ghatotkacha had left earlier with all the other rakshasas, saying he would return whenever the occasion demanded. Many months passed while the great-souled ones dwelt in Arshtishena's hermitage, and they witnessed many great marvels.
While the Pandavas lived there happily and sported themselves, many immensely fortunate hermits and charanas — celestial bards who wander the heavens — came to see them. These beings, pure in soul and rigid in their vows, held conversations with the Pandavas on celestial matters.
It was a period of peace. But the mountain held more than peace. Aranyaka Parva, Chapter 454