Tosa Maidan

Tosa Maidan is meadow in khag tehsil of Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.Tosa Maidan is not only famous as a pasture but also for its historical background. Bounded by dense forests, it is situated about 10 km from Khag in the mountains of the Himalayan range. After crossing the upper mountain reaches of Drang, Zakhora and other small villages, one reaches the pasture of Tosa Maidan. It is said that Tosa Maidan is one of those pastures which the shepherds of other neighbouring countries also used to visit in ancient times. The Mughals used to go to Poonch using this route. It is said that they had constructed a seven-storeyed building – Dam-Dam - here.

The Basmai Gali(13,000 ft) is the pass which leads into Tosa Maidan. Another pass - Poonch Gali - on its right side leads to the valley of Poonch. This pass was deemed to be the safest, easiest, and nearest to reach Punjab in ancient times. From here, a path also leads to Nilnag. Tosa Maidan is the largest pasture in its surrounding areas, 3 miles in length and 1.5 miles in width. Sky-touching deodars fence this pasture presenting a view of a green carpet in summer. During the summer, the camps of the Gujjar community and shepherds with theirgrazing sheep in the pastures present a riveting picture. Also, the fragrance of wild flowers refreshes the whole environment.

Tosa Maidan was leased to the army in 1964 for setting up an artillery firing range in a 50-year lease that ended on 18 April 2014. Local residents were fighting against the extension of the lease.This beautiful tourist spot is in Khag tehsil of Budgam district. The best time to visit Tosa Maidan is summer especially from April to September.

The lease was not renewed^[1] and Tosa Maidan has been officially opened to visitors from 30 May 2016.^[2]

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