Tosa Maidan is meadow in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. 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. Sprawling over an area that is 4.8 km long and 2.4 km wide, it is the largest meadow in the region. Tosa Maidan is known as the "King of Meadows". It is also a major trekking route to Yusmarg-Badgam and is a large meadow used for cattle grazing by nomads
Location of Tosa Maidan
Surrounded 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.
Historical Significance of Tosa Maidan
Tosa Maidan meadow is believed to have been used by the Mughals to reach the Kashmir Valley from Poonch. It is said that they had constructed a seven-storeyed building known as "Dam-Dam", is a bow to the Mughal era in Tosa Maidan.
Dispute over Tosa Maidan
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. The lease was not renewed and Tosa Maidan has been officially opened to visitors from 30 May 2016. The best time to visit Tosa Maidan is summer especially from April to September. It remains covered with snow from November till April.
Route to Tosa Maidan
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.
Flora and Fauna of Tosa Maidan
Tosa Maidan shows growth of multiple types of trees of which Pine is the most dominant one. The place is rich in diverse flora and fauna. There are a number of medicinal plants that grow in this meadow. Some of them are used by the local villagers as home remedies for a number of diseases.
