Surrounded by thickly wooded forests, Tosa Maidan is situated about 10 kms from Khag in the mountains of the Pir Panjal range. The pristine Tosa Maidan valley has been a tourist attraction for last so many years. Due to its gorgeous landscape and pleasantly cool breeze during the summers, visitors throng the place in hordes. After crossing the upper mountain reaches of Drang, Zakhora and some small villages, one reaches the pasture of Tosa Maidan. From here, a path also leads to Nilnag where a fabulous lake is located which is edged by tall pine trees. Tosa Maidan is the largest pasture in the area; 3 miles in length and 1.5 miles in width. Sky-touching deodars fence this pasture, presenting a view of a green carpet in summers. During the summer, the camping of the Gujjar community and shepherds with their flocks of sheep in the pasture present a riveting picture.
This captivating place is not only famous as a pasture but also for its historical background. The Mughals used to go to Poonch using this route. It is said that they had constructed a seven-storey building (Dam-Dam) here as well. 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. It is enroute a major trekking route from Yousmarg that leads to this famous spot and proceeds ahead. Tosa Maidan has plenty of snow capped mountains forming its frame. Also, there is a wide range of wild flowers bedecking the landscape.
The fragrance of wild flowers refreshes the whole environment, casting a unique spell upon the visitors. The region is full of springs; the one in its vicinity at Khag is most famous for the curative properties of its waters. One can either trek the distance from Yousmarg or catch a Sumo jeep from Srinagar. The area is connected through roads to places like Gulmarg and Poonch. The best time to visit this tranquil pasture is between May and September. For rest of the months, the valley experiences heavy snowfall and all the connecting links are severed.
April-September
