Whenever I heard the word “adventure,” Paragliding of Bir-Billing used to be my first mind-blower. From seeing this activity in cinema, books, and graffiti to converting it into reality, was an abnormal feeling. I went to Nainital for the first time to perform this activity however, I didn’t get the kick that I was looking for. That missing kick was always bothering me to research and find the place where I could do it actually to satisfy my hunger for Paragliding. I started following paragliding enthusiasts from across the globe. From Media coverage, I got to know that Bir-Billing hosted a Paragliding World Cup in November.
Though I was aware of the place Bir-Billing earlier but not in a high sense of excitement. I did a thorough research and found Bir- Billing is like “Paragliding Capital of India’. It hosted a mega adventurous event of Paragliding World Cup where paragliders from across the globe participated. The US topped the place and India stood as the 2nd runner up.
These were the facts which made me board the bus from Delhi to visit here. The day I arrived in Bir, I made an instant conclusion that I was at the place where I could fulfill my actual paragliding enthusiasm. Major numbers of people were flying in the sky. That scenic view boosted me with thrills and excitement. I headed toward the market and found a great place called “Chokling Art House’ to stay. Since I was exhausted from my bus journey. I decided to take a rest for the moment. Further, I made a booking for flying.
I reached the flying spot with the team and got a briefing about the action. Following the instructions, I flew with my pilot Ajay. Since that moment I was simply feeling a sense of overachieving. 7-8000 feet altitude and 19 minutes of flight were something special. Even I went in flashback to those moments while writing this article. Be it the duration of the flight or high altitude, everything was fulfilled that I missed in Bhimtal, Naintal.
Generally, it costs around 2000 INR for an ideal 12-15 minutes of flying at an altitude of 7-8000 feet altitude however, you can exceed your flying duration, by adding up your tariff. You may get some thrilling experience like Deep spiral, Spin stunts. On a precaution note, make sure to check the Captain and organization’s license as it is first step towards your safety. Avoid incase you have any severe breathe related disease because it may increase the risk of bad outcome.
I came back to my stay in the evening. I headed to the local and found so many food/shopping outlets and eye-catching cafes. I decided to have something at one of the cafes called “Vairagi Café. Though it was a small setup, the catering service and food options were up to the standard. After all the discussion and information collection with locals, I got to know about the spots that can certainly make one’s Bir-Billing trip incredible. In this article, I am going to mention everything you need to know to make your journey smooth.
Things to explore in Bir-billing
Bir Billing has so many things to offer like Serene Monasteries, Paragliding adventures, scenic nature trails, and vibrant Tibetan culture. Explore tea gardens, trek to waterfalls, visit the Deer Park Institute, and enjoy stunning sunsets over the Dhauladhar range. It is certainly a place for adventure enthusiasts and peace lovers.
Paragliding Adventures- Since the National Academy for Paragliding is situated in Bir-billing, people from across the world come here to learn. No matter what the season is, the excitement to come here to learn and do this activity is supreme. As per my observation, enthusiasts come here and stay for 5-6 months to learn this and go back. It shows the potential of this place in this activity. It is an honor that Bir-Billing India got a chance to host a Paragliding World Cup because of its potential.
Monasteries- This place has a high influence on Buddhism hence, you could get to see many Monasteries like Chokling which is quite famous for its Stupa and architectural view. If you visit the Sherabling Monastery, you can experience a spiritual retreat with peaceful surroundings. In addition to this, Palpung is famous for Tibetan and Buddhist art culture, and Tashi for its stunning view and architecture.
Spots for Nature connection- This place has so many spots where you can connect with Nature like Bir waterfall (Gunehar), Tea gardens, Dhauladhar View Point, Rajgundha Valley, etc. One can visit the Rajgundha valley for the starry night and offbeat trek, Gunehar for the waterfall, and Tea Garden to see the actual process of tea plating, etc. Bir provides a lot of trekking options like the Rajgundha trek, Thamsar Pas trek, Hanumangarh trek, Bara Bhangal, and Gunehar, etc. You can cover all these from the Bir only.
Exploring Tibetan Culture- If you wish to learn about Tibetan culture, such as its different lifestyle, food, peaceful adherence, etc., you must visit Monasteries, try local foods, visit Tibetan colonies, buy Tibetan handicraft clothes, etc. You will get so many options to buy creative influenced products and clothes. I am sure you will love the art work and design made by hand. Though there are many more hidden gems to cover, these are the top major things to cover in your Bir-Billing trip.
Yoga and healing session- This place is going to help you achieve your healing journey. You will find multiple options like Wellness and Spa, Yoga centers, and Energy Healing sessions. Luckily, I got a chance to attend a healing session conducted by Aradhana Singh (A certified & experienced instructor). I got to learn to add light on the purpose of my life. If you are someone who is stuck in such obstacles, you must try such session while roaming in Bir-Billing. I still feel the list is endless for your exploration at this place. The more you engage with local people, you will get to experience something in this beautiful village.
How to visit Bir-Billing?
Visiting Bir is not that challenging because Bir is well-connected to Major cities like Dharmshala, Delhi, Chandigarh, etc. There are many ways to choose your transportation be it Air, Railway, bus or self transport. From Delhi, you can board a direct bus in the evening from ISBT, Kashmiri gate, and arrive easily. Kangra Airport is 68 kilometers away from the spot so you can take a flight from a city that connects to Kangra (Dharmshala) and arrive in Bir. Further, Pathankot is connected to the Bir by Railway network so you choose this route to arrive by train.
When to visit Bir-Billing?
Bir-Billing will offer you something or other special things in every season be it winter, summer, or rainy season. However, it depends on the individual’s preference if someone wants to come here to explore nature and engage in adventure or healing at this spiritual place. Since Paragliding is more famous in the place and it has a certain season one should come here during moderate weather like September to December for Paragliding activities. During fall and extreme cold or rain, paragliding is paused. But you will find many other things like learning Pahadi and Tibetan culture, healing sessions, etc.
Why is Bir-Billing famous?
Though Bir was already famous for its adventurous activities and beauty but after hosting a Paragliding World Cup, this place has got a charm and boom in adventure tourism. Be it training or doing Paragliding, this place has a unique sense of fame for adventure. Apart from this, it has a great cultural heritage and ideal things to cater. I am sure one can find it an ideal place for the trip.
Is Bir-Billing worth visiting?
If you are passionate about exploring adventurous activities, scenic beauty, spiritual vibes, cultural experiences, and nature escape, you need to keep this place on priority. The way this place offers paragliding experiences, others can not. It is a self-experienced and researched fact. Though natural touch is common to many hill stations, this place provides a different vibe.
You might have more questions to think about your trip but those can be easily solved after your visit so why wait, pack your bag, and get to the place ASAP? If you have visited any hidden gems of the place, please let me know in the comment I will try to cover that on my next visit.