Bir Billing: India's Thrilling Paragliding Capital

Introduction

Imagine soaring above pine forests and rolling meadows, with the Dhauladhar mountains framing your flight path. Welcome to *Bir Billing—widely acclaimed as the **Paragliding Capital of India, and among the *top 5 paragliding sites in the world.

Located in Kangra district, this twin-destination—Billing (take-off site) and Bir (landing zone)—offers not just adrenaline but also peace, culture, and charm. If you’ve ever dreamt of flying like a bird, this is where your dream takes off.

Where is Bir Billing?

Feature	Details
Location	Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh
Altitude (Billing)	~2,400 meters (take-off point)
Altitude (Bir)	~1,500 meters (landing point)
Distance Between	14 km by road, ~25–30 mins
Closest Town	Baijnath (~12 km)
Best Known For	Paragliding, Tibetan monasteries, eco-tourism

✅ Bir Billing offers India’s highest and most scenic paragliding flight.

Paragliding – What You Need to Know

Why Bir Billing?

Thermal wind currents make it perfect for long, safe flights
Host of the Paragliding World Cup 2015
Experienced instructors and certified pilots
Longest tandem flight duration (~15–30 minutes)
Stunning views of Dhauladhar peaks, tea gardens, and villages

Cost and Packages

Package Type	Duration	Approx. Cost (₹)
Short Flight	10–15 mins	₹2,500–₹3,000
Medium Flight	20–25 mins	₹3,500–₹4,000
Long Cross-Country	30–40 mins	₹5,000–₹6,500

🎥 GoPro Video Recording: Extra ₹500–₹1,000
📜 Make sure to fly with a certified pilot (APPI/HP Govt registered) for safety.

Best Time for Paragliding in Bir Billing

Season	Highlights
March–June	Clear skies, lush green landscapes
Sept–Nov	Post-monsoon clarity, high visibility
July–Aug	Closed due to rain
Dec–Feb	Chilly, but some flights still operate

✅ The Paragliding Festival usually happens in October, drawing flyers from around the globe.

Other Things to Do in Bir

Bir Billing isn’t just about the skies—it’s equally rewarding on the ground.

Explore:

🏞 Deer Park Institute – Spiritual talks, courses, and meditation
🏯 Chokling Monastery – With golden stupas and mountain views
☕ Café Culture – Garden Café, Silver Linings, Avva’s—great for chill vibes
🥾 Trekking – Short treks to Rajgundha, Hanumangarh Pass, or Gunehar Waterfall
🚴 Cycling & Hiking – Trails between villages and forest roads

📷 Bir’s mix of Tibetan serenity and adventure energy makes it a photographer’s dream.

Where to Stay in Bir Billing

Type	Options / Info
Budget	Hostels like Zostel, goStops, The Bunker
Mid-Range	Garden Cottage, Hotel Sagarmatha
Boutique	The Trippy Tribe, Gliders Inn
Luxury	Tatva Bir Tents and Resorts

✅ Stay in Bir for easier access to cafes and monasteries. Billing offers more nature-based, off-grid stays.

What to Pack

🧥 Light jacket (even in summer – cool breeze at altitude)
🕶 Sunglasses, sunscreen
🥾 Comfortable walking shoes
📷 Camera / GoPro for the flight
🧢 Cap, water bottle
🎒 Daypack with essentials

🛑 Avoid heavy luggage during paragliding—keep it minimal and secure.

How to Reach Bir Billing

From	Route / Details
Delhi	Overnight bus to Bir (~11–12 hrs)
Pathankot	Train → Baijnath (closest railhead)
Gaggal Airport	Near Dharamshala (~70 km from Bir)
Taxi to Billing	From Bir or Baijnath (~₹600–₹800)

✅ The road from Bir to Billing is steep and scenic—many stay in Bir and drive to Billing early morning.

Travel Tips & Safety

✅ Book flights with HP Govt-approved pilots only
✅ Check weather before booking—paragliding is weather-sensitive
✅ Avoid flying on a full stomach
✅ Keep emergency contact details on you
✅ Don’t overthink—tandem flights are 100% safe if guidelines are followed

Why Visit Bir Billing?

✅ World-class paragliding experience
✅ Affordable adventure for beginners
✅ A blend of adventure + peace
✅ Culturally rich—Tibetan monasteries, eco-villages, creative communities
✅ Less touristy, more authentic

✨ Whether you come to fly, write, or just breathe—the skies of Bir will welcome you home.

Summary

Bir Billing is more than a bucket list tick. It’s a place where mountains meet mindfulness, where you can wake up in a cozy homestay and fly above the clouds by afternoon.