Introduction
Bir is a little village located in the west of Joginder Nagar Valley, in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is also known as the paragliding capital of India. It has also been named Asia’s second best paragliding site. Sitting at an elevation of 5000 feet, Bir is surrounded by beautiful serene landscapes, snow laden towering mountains and enchanting temples. The village is also a noted spot for ecotourism, meditation, and spiritual studies. Home to a Tibetan refugee settlement, Bir houses a number of Buddhist monasteries and also a large stupa. Also a visual treat, Bir offers a number of activities like trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, hand gliding, that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping! The months of April to June turn Bir into a gorgeous place. The snow begins to melt with the onset of pleasant weather as the summer arrives, and this season is the best for paragliding, the sport for which Bir is famous and reputed. Monsoon does not permit paragliding to happen, but other activities can still take place during that time.
You can also visit Brahmatal Trek and it is a popular winter trekking destination in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and a unique experience of camping in the snow.
Paragliding in Bir Billing, the Paragliding Capital of India
Paragliding in Bir Billing is an experience that’s truly meant to be had at least once in your life, and is not worth missing out on. You will truly feel like you are a bird, as you fly and soar over mountains, pristine clear streams, and lush green fields, at 8200 feet above ground. You will be one with the sky! Bir Billing is often confused as one place. Billing is the starting point for the paragliding and Bir is where one lands after completing the journey. The distance between the two places is 14 kilometres. The activity can be done between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. and the duration of the flight is for 15-20 minutes. A professional guide will be present with you at times, so there is no need for you to worry about inexperience in the paragliding sport. You can reach Billing by car and on reaching the location you’ll be briefed on safety and given personalised instructions from people who are authorised paragliding instructors. You must heed their instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience with the flight. After this you will be ready to undertake this exhilarating adventure! Floating in the sky, you’ll be soaring over snow capped summits, beautiful green fields and valleys, scenic villages and water streams. Flying at a height of 8200 feet from the ground, you will be able to capture these moments on your camera. 20 minutes of pure thrill and exhilaration, as you take in the breathtaking beauty of the world below you.
How to Reach?
A pick up and drop option from the Bir Landing point will be part of the package. The Bir landing point is located in the bIr Colony Road, and it is easily accessible by everyone, by both public and private modes of transport services.
The take off position for the paragliding is at Billing and it is 16 kilometres from Bir. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the activity area in Billing from the Bir Landing point.
Points to take care of
- It is very important that the participants pay close attention to everything that the paragliding instructors have to say, in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Due to weather conditions, it is possible that the timings may be postponed. Please be patient and make note of the next available slot.
- Participants are prohibited from carrying any sort of luggage on the activity.
- No sharp objects of any kind permitted to be carried on the flight, like knives, cutters etc.
- Please report at least 30 minutes before your slot at the activity spot.
- Avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages and heavy food as it might lead to air sickness.
- The activity is not recommended for women who are over 3 months pregnant, and for people who have had major surgeries recently, and for people with chronic neck/back pain.
- Maximum weight of a person allowed on this activity is 90 kg
- People between the ages of 16-45 years are eligible for the paragliding activity.
- All Indian citizens must carry an authentic proof of identity like driver’s licence, Aadhar card, Voter ID.
- Foreign nationals must carry their passport and share visa details.
Conclusion
Paragliding in Bir Billing is surely an experience worth having, as it will surely stay with you for a long time. We promise you that you are going to enjoy every minute of the 20 minute flight soaring above the snowy mountains, beautiful lush green fields and valleys, picturesque villages, and pristine water streams. It already sounds so good in words, imagine how perfect it is going to be in real life! So make sure you have this unforgettable experience and we will be so happy to have you have it with us.