Tosamaidan is also covered in our Yusmarg guide, which is the main page for it: Tosamaidan in the Yusmarg guide.
The short answer
Tosamaidan: what visitors should know first
Worth it for a full day if you want more space than Doodhpathri. Check road access before you go, hire a local driver, and expect a long drive on rougher roads with few facilities.
History and context
The story behind Tosamaidan
The meadow lies in Khag tehsil, Budgam, at the foot of the Pir Panjal. The historic route started from Drang village. It was leased to the Indian Army from 1964 for 50 years as a firing range and has been open to visitors since 30 May 2016.
Useful facts
Tosamaidan facts at a glance
- Location
- Khag tehsil, Budgam district
- Experience type
- Full-day meadow outing
- Size
- About 3 miles by 1.5 miles (older survey account)
- Known for
- Open pastures, deodar and a long history as a mountain route
- Access
- Open to visitors since 30 May 2016; check road status
Why it matters
Why Tosamaidan is worth your time
Tosamaidan has a longer history than most Kashmir meadows. The route over the Pir Panjal here was used for centuries, and accounts record Mahmud of Ghazni being stopped at the Lohara fort in 1003 and 1021 and Ranjit Singh's forces using it in 1814 and 1819.
In the modern period the meadow was leased to the Indian Army in 1964 for fifty years as an artillery firing range. Local protests against renewal helped end the lease before April 2014, and the meadow reopened to visitors on 30 May 2016. That recent return explains why facilities remain minimal and why it still feels quiet.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The great pasture
The largest meadow in the surrounding area, ringed by deodar.
- 02
Mountain route history
Part of an old crossing of the Pir Panjal used by armies and traders.
- 03
Lakes and passes
Trekkers can continue towards small lakes and high passes.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat Tosamaidan as a separate, full-day outing rather than an add-on to Doodhpathri. The meadow is reached by a long road from the Khag side, and conditions vary, so confirm the route and its state with a local driver before leaving Srinagar. Start early, as the return drive is long.
The pasture is the largest in the area, roughly three miles by a mile and a half in older survey accounts, with deodar around it and Gujjar and shepherd camps in season. Walk along the edge, sit by a stream if you find one, and let the scale of the open ground sink in. There are small lakes and passes further on, but those are for trekkers.
Carry everything: food, water, warm layers and a power bank. Phone coverage is unreliable and there is no formal visitor infrastructure.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Check road status and access rules before you leave
- Start early; the drive is long
- Carry all food, water and warm layers
- Tell your hotel your plan and expected return time
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Khag tehsil, Budgam district, west of Doodhpathri
- Time needed
- A full day, usually from Srinagar
- Best time
- Late spring to early autumn; check road status
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The drive is long and facilities are limited. The meadow itself is broad and open, with easy walking on grass, but there is little seating, shelter or medical help. Seniors who find a long, rough drive tiring may prefer the Doodhpathri meadow alone.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket that we could verify. The meadow has been open to the public since 30 May 2016; check current access with local authorities as conditions can change.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Tosamaidan
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The drive is long and facilities are limited. The meadow itself is broad and open, with easy walking on grass, but there is little seating, shelter or medical help. Seniors who find a long, rough drive tiring may prefer the Doodhpathri meadow alone.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Tosamaidan open to tourists?
Yes. It has been open to visitors since 30 May 2016, after the army firing-range lease ended. Check current conditions locally.
Can I combine it with Doodhpathri?
They are linked on the map but separate on the road, so most visitors do one per day.
Are there places to stay?
Facilities are very limited. Confirm any options locally before planning an overnight stay.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
