Tosa Maidan is a broad high-altitude meadow in the Khag tehsil of Budgam district, in the Kashmir Valley of Jammu & Kashmir. For nearly fifty years it was closed to the public as an army artillery firing range; since 2016 it has been open again as a grazing ground, trekking base and summer destination. This guide covers how to reach Tosa Maidan, when to go, what you can realistically see and do, and the safety history you should understand before you set out.
Tosa Maidan is a Pir Panjal meadow about 50 km from Srinagar, reached via Magam and Khag in under 2.5 hours by road, per the Budgam district administration. It opened to visitors in May 2016 after its long use as a firing range ended, and is best visited in the short summer window from June to September.
Key takeaways
- Tosa Maidan sits in Khag tehsil, Budgam district, Jammu & Kashmir, at roughly 33.92°N, 74.50°E in the Pir Panjal range.
- It is about 50 km from Srinagar via Magam and Khag, reachable in under 2.5 hours by taxi, according to the Budgam district administration (as of 2026).
- Best visited June to September, when the meadow is snow-free, the road is open and Gujjar grazing camps are set up.
- The meadow was leased to the Indian Army as an artillery firing range in 1964 for 50 years; the lease ended in 2014 and the ground opened to visitors on 30 May 2016.
- No formal entry fee or ticket is listed on the official district page (as of 2026); the main consideration is a rough final road and the legacy of unexploded ordnance.
- The main meadow measures roughly 3 miles by 1.5 miles and is fringed by deodar forest, with historic passes such as Basmai Gali rising to about 3,962 m (13,000 ft).
About Tosa Maidan and quick facts
Tosa Maidan is one of the largest alpine pastures in central Kashmir, lying at the foot of the Pir Panjal range in Khag tehsil, Budgam district, Jammu & Kashmir. The Budgam district administration describes it as roughly 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, enclosed by deodar forest, with panoramic views of the Pir Panjal (as of 2026).
Do not confuse this Tosa Maidan with other high meadows of the valley such as Yusmarg or Doodhpathri; the name here refers specifically to the Budgam pasture reached through Khag. Its coordinates are about 33.92°N, 74.50°E, PIN 193411, according to mapped records.
Historically it was a shepherds’ pasture and a travel corridor. According to the district administration, the Mughals crossed here on the route to Poonch and are believed to have built a seven-storeyed structure called Dam-Dam; the pass of Basmai Gali was long considered a safe route toward the Punjab plains. These older stories are local tradition and record, not something you will see fully standing today.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Khag tehsil, Budgam district, Jammu & Kashmir |
| Range | Pir Panjal, Kashmir Valley |
| Approx. coordinates | 33.92°N, 74.50°E (PIN 193411) |
| Meadow size | About 3 miles by 1.5 miles (district administration) |
| Distance from Srinagar | About 50 km via Magam and Khag |
| Best season | June to September |
| Entry fee | None listed on the official district page |
Best time to visit Tosa Maidan
The best time to visit Tosa Maidan is June to September, when snow has cleared, the approach road from Khag is open and the meadow is at its greenest. The district administration notes that in summer the grass turns green and Gujjar and shepherd camps are set up; spring and early summer bring wildflowers (as of 2026).
From roughly November to March the meadow is under snow and the road is usually blocked, which effectively closes it to casual visitors. Shoulder months can be muddy or carry late or early snow, so confirm road status locally before you commit to a date.
| Season | Months | Conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | June–September | Meadow green, road open, grazing camps active | Day visits, walks, camping, trek starts |
| Spring | April–May | Snowmelt, wildflowers, muddy approach, possible snow patches | Early blooms if the road is open |
| Autumn | October | Crisp, cold nights, early snow possible | Photography, quieter visits |
| Winter | November–March | Snow-covered, road usually blocked | Snow potential, but access is hard |
How to reach Tosa Maidan
Tosa Maidan is about 50 km from Srinagar via Magam and Khag, a drive the Budgam district administration puts at under 2.5 hours by car or taxi; the last stretch beyond Khag is a rough road (as of 2026). There is no direct public transport to the meadow itself, so plan on a private taxi for the final approach.
By air, the nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar, which the district administration places about 70 km away, roughly 2.5 hours by road. By rail, the nearest railhead is at Ompora, Budgam, about 65 km away on the valley line; from there you continue by taxi. The town of Khag, around 10 km from the meadow per the district page, is the last place to pick up supplies and arrange local transport.
| From | Approx. distance | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Srinagar (via Magam & Khag) | About 50 km | Under 2.5 hours | Taxi; last stretch on rough road |
| Sheikh ul-Alam Intl Airport, Srinagar | About 70 km | About 2.5 hours | Fly in, continue by road |
| Ompora (Budgam) railway station | About 65 km | — | Nearest railhead; onward by taxi |
| Khag town | About 10 km | — | Last town for supplies and local transport |
Things to see and do
The main thing to do at Tosa Maidan is simply to walk the open meadow and take in the Pir Panjal, with a half-day enough for a casual visit and longer stays suited to trekkers. The district administration lists nature walks, trekking and exploring the high passes as the main activities (as of 2026).
The meadow floor sits at roughly 3,000 m (about 9,800 ft); published altitude figures vary widely, so treat any single number as approximate. The passes that frame it rise higher: the district administration records Basmai Gali at about 3,962 m (13,000 ft), a figure the nineteenth-century surveyor M. A. Stein also noted for the crest of the range here.
Tosa Maidan is also a recognised trek base. Trekking operators use it as a starting point for multi-day high-ridge and alpine-lake routes toward the Yusmarg side; these are guided expeditions, not casual day hikes, and need proper preparation. Treat the Gujjar and shepherd camps you pass as people’s working homes, not a sight to photograph without asking.
| Spot / experience | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main meadow | Open grassland about 3 mi by 1.5 mi, fringed by deodar | Nature walks; a half-day is enough for a casual visit |
| Basmai Gali | Historic pass, about 3,962 m (13,000 ft) | Old route toward the Punjab plains; for fit walkers |
| Dam-Dam | Ruined structure linked by tradition to a Mughal-era building | Local belief, not confirmed standing history |
| Ridge and lake treks | Multi-day routes toward Yusmarg and alpine lakes | Guided only; carry permits/ID and proper gear |
| Grazing camps | Summer Gujjar and shepherd settlements | Respect residents; ask before photographing |
Suggested itinerary
For most travellers Tosa Maidan works best as a one-day trip from Srinagar, with an overnight option for those who want to camp or start a trek. Below are two simple plans.
- Day trip from Srinagar: Leave early, drive via Magam and Khag (about 50 km, under 2.5 hours), reach the meadow by late morning, walk the grassland and lower slopes, carry a packed lunch, and return to Srinagar by evening.
- Overnight / trek start (2 days): Day 1, drive in, set up a camp on the meadow (carry everything; there is no built accommodation), and explore nearby slopes. Day 2, either begin a guided ridge trek with prior arrangement, or walk toward Basmai Gali and drive back the same day.
Because the final road is rough and conditions change, keep the plan flexible and build in buffer time to return before dark.
Where to stay
There is no built hotel or government accommodation at Tosa Maidan itself; the district administration lists no lodging on the meadow (as of 2026). Visitors either make it a day trip from Srinagar or camp on the meadow with their own equipment, usually through a trek operator.
For a bed, base yourself in Srinagar, which has the full range of options, or at the nearby meadow of Yusmarg, which has some hotels and huts. The ranges below are indicative planning estimates for 2026 and should be reconfirmed at the time of booking; book ahead in the summer peak.
| Type | Where | Indicative cost per night | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Srinagar guesthouses / Yusmarg huts | ₹1,000–₹2,500 | Reconfirm; limited supply near the meadow |
| Mid-range | Srinagar hotels / houseboats | ₹2,500–₹6,000 | Book ahead in June–September |
| Luxury | Srinagar premium hotels / deluxe houseboats | ₹7,000–₹15,000+ | Seasonal; prices rise in peak months |
| Camping | On the meadow (own/operator tents) | Operator-dependent | No facilities; carry everything, leave no trace |
Food to try
There are no restaurants at Tosa Maidan, so carry your own food and water; eat Kashmiri cuisine in Srinagar before or after your visit. The valley’s food is worth planning a meal around.
- Rogan josh (lamb braised in a red, aromatic gravy) — a signature Kashmiri dish.
- Wazwan (a multi-course Kashmiri feast of mostly meat dishes) — usually ordered for groups or occasions.
- Kahwa (green tea with saffron, cardamom and almonds) — warming and widely served.
- Nadru (lotus-stem, cooked in curries or fried) — a common local vegetable.
- Harissa (a slow-cooked meat-and-rice paste, eaten in cold months) — a winter speciality.
On the meadow itself, pack high-energy snacks and enough water, since supplies run out quickly beyond Khag.
Budget breakdown
A simple Tosa Maidan day trip from Srinagar is inexpensive if you share a taxi, with camping trips costing more because of gear and guides. The table below is an indicative planning estimate for 2026 and should be reconfirmed; it assumes two people sharing a taxi on a day trip from Srinagar.
| Item | Indicative cost | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Shared taxi (return) | ₹1,200–₹2,500 | Srinagar–Tosa Maidan return, split between two |
| Food and water | ₹300–₹600 | Packed meal and snacks carried in |
| Local guide (optional) | ₹500–₹1,500 | Recommended for walks toward the passes |
| Buffer / miscellaneous | ₹300–₹500 | Parking, tips, contingencies |
| Approx. total (day trip) | ₹2,300–₹5,100 | Per person; excludes Srinagar stay |
A camping or trek package will cost significantly more and is usually quoted per head by the operator, covering tents, food and guides.
Permits, safety and rules
No formal entry ticket or special permit for Tosa Maidan is listed on the official Budgam district page (as of 2026); the real issues are the rough road and the site’s firing-range past. Inner Line Permit rules that apply to some Indian border regions do not apply to the Kashmir Valley, so Indian nationals do not need an ILP here.
The safety history matters. According to the Budgam district administration and press reporting, the meadow was leased to the Indian Army in 1964 for 50 years as an artillery firing range and was also used by the Air Force and other agencies. The lease came up for renewal on 18 April 2014; after sustained local protests it was ended, and the meadow was formally opened to visitors on 30 May 2016 (press reports date the opening ceremony to 29 May 2016).
Down To Earth and Outlook have reported that unexploded ordnance left the meadow dangerous, with civilian deaths and injuries over the years. The Army ran an 83-day demining operation, named Operation Falah, covering an area reported as about 69 sq km, but activists have said clearance may be incomplete. The practical rule for visitors: stay on established paths, do not wander into unmarked ground, and never touch any metal object or suspected shell you find. Follow plastic-free and leave-no-trace norms, and avoid lighting fires on the grassland.
Practical tips
Treat Tosa Maidan as a remote high meadow with no facilities, and prepare accordingly. A few practical notes:
- Network and cash: Mobile coverage is patchy to absent beyond Khag; download maps offline and carry enough cash, as UPI and ATMs are unreliable once you leave the towns.
- Medical and emergencies: The nearest hospitals and reliable help are back toward Budgam and Srinagar; carry a basic first-aid kit and tell someone your plan and return time.
- Altitude and weather: Days can be warm and evenings cold even in summer; weather turns quickly in the Pir Panjal, so carry a warm layer, a rain shell and sun protection whatever the season.
- Solo and women travellers: Go with a registered taxi or local guide rather than alone on the final rough stretch, start early, and plan to return before dark.
- Packing by season: Summer — sturdy shoes, water, snacks, layers; shoulder season — add waterproofs and warmer clothing; winter — the meadow is effectively closed to casual visitors.
- Checkpoints: Carry a government photo ID; you may be asked to show it or register at local police or forest checkpoints, so confirm current requirements before you set out.
Nearby places
Tosa Maidan sits within a cluster of central-Kashmir meadows that the government has grouped for tourism, so it pairs naturally with Yusmarg and Doodhpathri. The table gives approximate pointers; exact road distances between the meadows are not officially published, so confirm routes locally.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Yusmarg | Same tourism circuit (road distance not officially published) | Meadow, pine forest, horse rides, easy access |
| Doodhpathri | Same tourism circuit (road distance not officially published) | Open meadow and stream, popular day trip |
| Khag | About 10 km | Last town for supplies and transport |
| Srinagar | About 50 km | Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, food and stays |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tosa Maidan safe to visit now?
Tosa Maidan is open to visitors and reasonably safe if you stay on established paths. Its past as an army firing range left unexploded ordnance, and the Army ran an 83-day demining operation after the lease ended in 2014. Never touch any metal object or suspected shell, and do not wander into unmarked ground.
How do I reach Tosa Maidan from Srinagar?
Tosa Maidan is about 50 km from Srinagar via Magam and Khag, which the Budgam district administration puts at under 2.5 hours by car or taxi. There is no direct public transport to the meadow, so hire a private taxi; the final stretch beyond Khag is a rough road.
What is the best time to visit Tosa Maidan?
The best time to visit Tosa Maidan is June to September, when the meadow is snow-free and green, the road from Khag is open and grazing camps are set up. From about November to March the area is under snow and the road is usually blocked, which closes it to casual visitors.
Do I need a permit to visit Tosa Maidan?
No special permit or entry ticket for Tosa Maidan is listed on the official Budgam district page as of 2026, and the Inner Line Permit does not apply to the Kashmir Valley. Carry a government photo ID, as you may be asked to show it or register at a local checkpoint. Reconfirm current rules before travelling.
What is the altitude of Tosa Maidan?
The Tosa Maidan meadow floor sits at roughly 3,000 m (about 9,800 ft), though published figures vary, so treat any single number as approximate. The passes that frame it rise higher, with Basmai Gali recorded at about 3,962 m (13,000 ft) by the district administration and earlier surveyors.
Is there any accommodation at Tosa Maidan?
There is no hotel or government lodge on Tosa Maidan itself as of 2026. Most people visit as a day trip from Srinagar or camp on the meadow with their own equipment through a trek operator. For a bed, stay in Srinagar or at nearby Yusmarg and travel in for the day.
Last updated and sources
Tosa Maidan suits travellers who want an uncrowded high meadow and trekkers using it as a base; go in summer, as a day trip from Srinagar or a planned camping trek. Because it is remote and carries a firing-range legacy, prepare properly and reconfirm road and safety conditions before you set out.
Last updated: 4 November 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Budgam district administration, Tosamaidan tourist page (budgam.nic.in); Wikipedia, Tosa Maidan, for coordinates and lease/opening dates citing M. A. Stein’s Memoir on Maps Illustrating Ancient Geography of Kashmir (en.wikipedia.org); Down To Earth, on the firing range and Operation Falah (downtoearth.org.in); The Tribune, “Guns gone, Tosa Maidan woos tourists officially” (tribuneindia.com); Outlook, on the 2014 vacation of the range (outlookindia.com). Accessed November 2026.
