Tosa Maidan: Kashmir’s Largest & Most Peaceful Meadow

Hidden 70 km west of Srinagar in Budgam district, Tosa Maidan (3,000 m) is one of the biggest and most beautiful high-altitude meadows in Kashmir — larger than Yusmarg, Doodhpathri, and even Gulmarg’s outer meadows combined. For decades it was an Indian Army artillery firing range and completely off-limits. Since 2014, after the army vacated, it has quietly reopened to tourists and is now the ultimate offbeat paradise: endless green carpets, snow-capped Pir Panjal peaks, and almost zero crowds.

Why Tosa Maidan Feels Like a Secret

No hotels, no shikara touts, no pony mafia — just pure untouched nature. Locals call it “Bada Bangus of Central Kashmir”. In summer, Gujjar and Bakarwal nomads move their herds across the meadow, and the only sounds are cowbells and mountain streams.

Highlights & Things to See

• Main Tosa Maidan Meadow – 10+ km of flat, lush grassland surrounded by dense pine forests.
• Bhramasakri Top – Highest point (3,600 m) with 360° views of Pir Panjal and sunset that turns the entire meadow golden.
• Sitaharan & Damdam River – Crystal-clear streams perfect for camping and trout fishing.
• Poshpathri & Chilbrass – Two smaller satellite meadows on the way.
• Gujjar Huts & Nomad Life – Spend time with shepherds, taste fresh milk and ghee.

Best Activities

• Multi-day trekking (Tosa Maidan → Gulmarg via Tosamaidan Pass is an epic 4–5 day route)
• Camping under star-filled skies (no light pollution)
• Bird-watching & wildflower photography (May–July)
• Day picnic with family (carry everything from Srinagar)

Practical Travel Information

• Best time to visit: May to September (road open & meadows green). Winters are under 10–15 ft of snow.
• How to reach:
  – Srinagar → Beerwah → Arizal → Tosa Maidan (70 km, 3 hrs by car).
  – Last 10 km after Arizal is rough but doable in any sedan (Sumo/taxi preferred).
  – Shared Sumo from Batmaloo Srinagar to Beerwah (₹100), then local cab to Tosa Maidan (₹1500–2000 full car return).
• Facilities:
  – No hotels, no restaurants — only a few Gujjar huts serving tea & basic food.
  – JKTDC is building eco-huts (almost ready as of 2025 — check before going).
  – Carry your own lunch, water, and camping gear.
• Stay options:
  – Camping (bring your own tent or rent in Srinagar).
  – Day-trip is most common.
• Mobile network: Only BSNL works inside the meadow.
• Entry: Free, no permit required.

Tosa Maidan is raw, vast, and overwhelmingly peaceful. If you’ve already done Pahalgam and Gulmarg and want something completely different — where you can walk for hours without seeing another tourist — this is it.

Pro tip: Come on a weekday in June–July, camp overnight, and wake up to the entire meadow bathed in soft morning light. It’s one of the most magical experiences Kashmir has to offer right now.