Continuing with its sustained promotional activities, Department of Tourism Kashmir has successfully organized trekking expedition of second batch of non-local educational volunteers to Tosa Maidan.The volunteers stayed for overnight at Sutharan where from they trekked to Tosa Maidan and reached back today.Tosa Maidan has received good response from the visitors especially trekkers after it was recently thrown open for locals and tourists by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on May 28.Department of Tourism also organised three days Tosa Maidan Festival on the same day which was attended by local travel trade and hospitality sector. During the festival, different adventure activities were conducted which include paragliding, zorbing, trekking and rides in ATVs.Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah said they had flagged off the hikers from TRC Srinagar who stayed at Sutharan for the night.“In the morning, the group trekked to Tosa Maidan and came back today. The trekkers are from different parts of the Country. Their participation in the expedition would spread a word about this place in India as they reach back to their respective destinations,” said Shah.
This was the second group of trekkers to visit virgin beauty of Tosa Maidan meadows.Director Tourism Kashmir said more trekking expeditions would be organised in coming days to highlight and harness the tourism potential of Tosa Maidan and other destinations.He said the department has many festival in pipeline to promote virgin destinations.One of the trekkers Vebhaw said they were happy to trek to Tosa Maida which has unmatched beauty.“We fell in love with the unending meadows of the Tosa Maidan. This is one of the best places for trekking. As soon as we reach our respective places back, we will spread a word about its pristine beauty so that more trekkers will visit there. This place is a must visit destination especially for trekkers,” said Vebhaw.Shah said on the directions of Chief Minister, the department would develop Kothas and remodel them so that visitors can stay there overnight.
“The department is engaging this spot actively to promote it among nature and adventure lovers. We will organize FAM tours for students and adventure lovers so that they can further promote this destination,” said Shah. “The visitors will be encouraged to stay in these Kothas which would be developed by tourism department.”
The department of tourism is also finalising the comprehensive brochures for Tosa Maidan which would be circulated across its offices in India and the upcoming travel and trade shows.Tosa Maidan is not only famous as a pasture but also for its historical background. Bounded by dense forests, it is situated about 10 kms from Khag in the Himalayan range. After crossing the upper mountain reaches of Drang, Zakhora and other small villages, one reaches the pasture of Tosa Maidan. It is said that Tosamaidan is one of those pastures which the shepherds of other neighbouring countries also used to visit in ancient times.