Before you start reading our blog, read about the best destinations for paragliding in India if you're looking for other nearby places instead of Bir Billing.
Asia's Highest Paragliding Point - Bir Billing
History tells us that humans have been trying to achieve their dream of flying high up in the sky like birds for ages now and devising aircraft is the closest we could ever come to "flying". Now we have an even more adventurous way to experience flying which has become a popular sport lately in India as it allows one to soar high and reach new heights.
Himachal is said to be the home to paragliding in India. Bir-Billing village, located in the Palampur district of Himachal Pradesh, is considered to be the safest destination for paragliding. This place might be a small village but holds an extraordinary important for adventure junkies as it includes the best adventure sports in India such as Hiking, Trekking, Paragliding, and Handgliding. If you don't have a height phobia, just go ahead with this fun sport! It's definitely worth the crazy adrenaline rush and the thrilling experience. If you're in adventure sports, then you've got to try Paragliding in India at Bir Billing. It serves as a landing ground for para-gliders, it's one of the finest aero sports sites in India. Bir Billing also hosted "The First Paragliding Worldcup Of India" in 2015 with around 500 free flying pilots participating in the same which clearly establishes the identity of this beautiful town.
Best Time To Visit - One can be a part of this adventure sport throughout the year except during the monsoon season from July to September End. As heavy rainfalls making it difficult and dangerous to participate in a sport like Paragliding.
More Details:
Flight Time - 15-30 Minutes - Short Fly apart from that there is also a Medium Fly (25 to 35 minutes) and a Long Fly (35 minutes to One hour)
Weight Limit - It differs on monthly basis from 20-95kgs to 20-95kgs, anybody exceeding the weight limit has to pay extra charges.
Charges - Approximately Rs.2500-3000, additional charges for getting a go-pro video made.
Types Of Paragliding - One can either be a part of Tandem Paragliding or Solo Paragliding - To fly solo one has to go under a training of 13-15 days to eventually paraglide as a pilot. On the other hand Tandem Paragliding is where two people can paraglide together, it's carried by a skilled pilot who is well trained with proper technique while the other person is just there for the sole purpose of having fun and enjoying the scenic views.
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How To Reach There:
There are several ways to reach Bir Billing - Flight, Road, And Train
By Flight - The nearest airport is Khangra airport which approximately 67 Kilometers away from the Bir. One can continue from there by taking a bus or taxi. Other airports which are close to Bir are Chandigarh Airport, New Delhi Airport, and Amritsar Airport.
By Train - Ahju airport is 3kms away from Bir Billing, One can take a toy train from Pathankot to Ahju to reach Bir. You can also enjoy scenic views during the journey.
By Road - One of the easiest ways to reach Bir Billing is by road by taking a taxi or bus. It takes approx. 12-15 hours from Delhi to reach Bir by bus, taking volvo buses is definitely a good idea.
Here are a few road routes to Bir:
Route 1:- Delhi – Ambala – Banur (chandigarh bypass) – kiratpur – Anandpur Sahib – Nagal – Una – Amb – Kangra – Palampur – Baijnath – Bir road – Bir
Route 2:- Delhi – Ambala – Banur – kharad – kiratpur – Bilaspur – Mandi – Jogindernagar – Bir road – Bir
Route 3:- Manali – Mandi – Jogindernagar – Bir road – Bir
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What Else Can You Do In Bir Billing:
There's so much more than just paragliding in Bir Billing so make the most of it by taking part in other adventure sports and activities.
1. Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking trails from an Altitude of 8900 ft from the sea level which definitely gives us an adrenaline rush. It's a perfect sport for every adventure enthusiast who would like to explore the beautiful routes and scenic view of Bir Billing. While mountain biking From Palampur to Bir Billing you'll come across several beautiful villages, temples, and monasteries which will leave you awestruck.
2. Trekking
One can go for any of these two treks - Raj Gundha Trek and Tribal Bara Bhangal valley trek for 8 Days to Chamba valley. Be ready to witness the real beauty of trekking through scenic routes and rural villages near bir. It's time to explore and interact with localities on your way to these beautiful valleys and villages.
3. Tribute To Spiritual Places
Pay spiritual tribute at these temples and monasteries located in Bir - Muktinath Temple - where the 1st tulsi plant is still surviving, Bajinath Shiva Temple and Monastery of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Institute.
4. Meditation Retreats
Deer Park Institute is a perfect spot to practice meditation, one should rejuvenate themselves by the practicing the same here. Take a break from your stressful work life and enjoy this vacay dedicated to adventurous sports and meditation. Other than that one can also go to Dharamalya Institute for meditation
5. Getaway To Dharamshala
Looking for a getaway from your getaway then Dharamshala seems like a perfect idea. It's around 50 kms away which will hardly take 2-3 hours to reach the destination. One can visit the tibet museum, Kangra Valley, Nam Gyal Monastery , Jwalamukhi Devi Temple and Tea Gardens.
6. Camping
Camp Oak View provides one of the best places for camping when in Bir. They also provide in-house cook for scrumptious meals, tents with dome tent options. We highly recommended this place as it offers an hygienic and eco-friendly environment to camp at.
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FAQ:
Q: What are the charges of Paragliding in Bir Billing?
A: Approximately Rs.2500-3000
Q: Which are the best months to go for Paragliding in Bir Billing?
A: October To March