Bir and Billing are rural villages located in the Kangra district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is noted for Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and auxiliary centers of the Nyingma school, the Karma Kagyu school, and the Sakya school. It is a small village situated at an altitude of 1,525 m, while Billing is a beautiful meadow situated at an altitude of 2,400 m. And it is popular for its paragliding activities. Bir billing paragliding is considered the paragliding capital of India. And it was established as the site of a Tibetan colony in the 1960s as a settlement for Tibetan refugees following the 1959 Tibetan insurgency.
History of Bir and Billing
Bir has a rich history that goes back to the 9th century when it was under the rule of the Pala dynasty. Over the centuries, the village was ruled by the Tibetans, the Mughals, and the British before becoming a part of independent India. Today, the village is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts, especially for paragliding. After India gained independence in 1947, Bir became a part of the state of Himachal Pradesh. In 1966, the third Netan Chokling Lama was recognized as an incarnation of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He came to Bir with his family and a small group. It is said that Netan Chokling bought more than 200 acres of land and established a Tibetan settlement. Where 300 Tibetan families were given land to build houses.
Bir Billing Paragliding
Bir Billing is considered one of the best paragliding destinations in the world. The landing site Bir is spacious and safe, and the takeoff site Billing is situated on a hilltop. The paragliding season in Bir Billing starts in October and lasts till June, the best time to visit is between October to December and between March to June. During this time the weather is pleasant and the winds are favorable for walking. There are many types of paragliding flights available in Bir Billing, ranging from short tandem flights to longer cross-country flights. Tandem flights are ideal for beginners who want to experience the thrill of paragliding without any prior experience.
For more experienced paragliders, there are longer flights that take you on a cross-country journey and offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Paragliding operators in Bir Billing follow strict safety standards. And all equipment is regularly checked and maintained. The pilots are experienced and trained to handle any situation, and they ensure that all safety protocols are followed during the flight.
Bir Billing Paragliding Season
Bir billing paragliding season starts in October. And offer a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget guesthouses to luxurious resorts. You can find everything from basic camping sites to comfortable homestays and hotels. Bir Billing is surrounded by beautiful hills and valleys, which makes it an ideal place for trekking. Billing is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to discover the beauty and culture of Himachal. Paragliding in Bir Billing started in the late 1980s when some foreign pilots visited the area and discovered excellent flying conditions. The place soon became popular among adventure enthusiasts and with time, it became a major paragliding center in India. Billing hosted the Paragliding World Cup in 2015, which helped further popularize the sport in the region.
Bir Billing Paragliding Cost
The cost of paragliding in Bir Billing may vary depending on the type of flight you opt for and the operator you choose. The cost of a tandem flight in Bir Billing can range from INR 2,500 to INR 4,000 per person, depending on the duration of the flight. If you have prior experience in paragliding, you can opt for a solo flight. Depending on the duration of the flight, the cost of a flight can range from INR 2,000 to INR 3,500 per person. Course fees depend on the duration of the course and the level of training you want to learn in paragliding. And the cost of a paragliding course can range from INR 15,000 to INR 35,000.
How to Reach Bir and Billing
Bir and Billing are located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. By air, the nearest airport to Bir is the Gaggal Airport in Kangra, approximately 68 km away. From here you can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport. The nearest railway station to Bir by train is Pathankot Railway Station, which is approximately 112 km away. By Road, It is well connected to major cities of Himachal Pradesh by road. You can take buses from nearby cities like Dharamshala, Palampur, and Kangra to reach Bir. After reaching Bir, you can take a short drive or walk to Billing, which is the take-off site for paragliding. Taxis and shared cabs are also available in Bir that can take you to billing.
