Top 5 reasons why you must visit Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh

Talking about Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh always reminds us of paragliding. Bir Billing is considered as World's second highest & India's highest paragliding site. Para-gliders from all over the world come here just for this. Bir is located in the Kangra district of HP. A small village with very few people living here, but during the season the ambiance here becomes different.

Bir has a Tibetan Colony, where the refugees from Tibet live here. Basically by Bir people know this Tibetan Colony, because mostly the hotels, homestays, restaurants, shops are located here. Bir is a bit higher in altitude than this Tibet Colony. Even the landing site is located here.

5 reasons why you must visit Bir-Billing 

1. PARAGLIDING IN BIR BILLING

As I mentioned earlier when we talk about Bir Billing, first thing that comes in mind is paragliding. Bir has its identity in the world map because of this very sport. Located at an altitude of 5003ft and because of its wide open valley and flat land it serves as one of the best location for paragliding in the world. Billing which is at an height of 7900ft is the take off point. The weather conditions are best suited for the adventure sport. After I had a conversation with some of the experts and local people, I got to know many foreigners glide all the way to Manali, Dharamshala etc., from Billing which are around 270kms, 60kms away respectively. Paragliding in Bir Billing should be on the bucket list of every adventurer. 

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Now the most important part: How can you do paragliding in Bir Billing? 

When you plan to visit Bir, you can search on web regarding online booking of seats for paragiding from various agencies available online. They will charge you around Rs3000-4000 per flight for about 15-20mins. But I would suggest you guys to reach there, decide and then book your respective paragliding flights. You can fix your date and timing of the flight by consulting with the agencies there. This will cost you less. They will charge Rs2000-2500 + Rs500 for action camera footage (if you don't have one).

I would personally suggest y'all to book your paragliding flight in early morning or during the sunset. The views are magnificent in this span of time.

Best time for paragliding in Bir Billing

Paragliding takes place all through the year in Bir Billing except during monsoon. So you can visit in any month except late June & July-August.

Paragliding during sunset

Landing Site

2. Cycling in Bir Billing

Many of us don't know about some of the most scenic cycling route all through Bir. Actually people don't even try to know these off beat adventures. There are numerous shops giving bicycles on rent in Bir with proper fittings like disc brakes, shockers etc. They'll charge around Rs100/ hr, but if you wanna rent it for the whole day then they'll charge around Rs600 (there is room for bargaining).

The mountain bikes

Where to go in Bir?
There are 2-3 routes which you can opt.
1. The primary route is from the Tibetan Colony to Sherabling Palpung Monastery.
2. Sherabling Monastery to Dharmalaya ( a sustainable living Institute)
3. Dharmalaya to sunset view point at Bir.
And then back to Tibetan Colony.

This were the routes I chose. You can make your custom route with the help of Google maps.

3. Exploring Monasteries

As I said there's a Tibetan Colony in Bir, so there are numerous Monasteries present here. Monasteries are so colorful and pleasing. Their structures, the serenity, peace in the prayer hall,  all these makes me feel good when I visit a Monastery. The name of the Monasteries are:

a) Chokling Monastery
b) Nyingyang Monastery
c) Tsering Jong Monastery
d) Sakya Diru Monastery
e) Sherabling Monastry

Monks at Nyingyang Monastery

Chokling Monastery

Inside Chokling Monastery

4. Eateries and local foods

Since Bir has a lot of visiting foreigners, there are numerous cafes and coffee shops. Though we get to see such cafes in cities but the ambiance or the feel is not the same. Being in the lap of nature with fellow travelers singing songs while enjoying a sip of coffee is so different. These cafes allow you to hangout for as much time as you can (though you need to order something...hahaha). There are some Instagram famous cafes which attract a lot of customers like the Silver lining Cafe, Vairagi cafe and adventure, Friends Cafe, etc. I have personally tasted the food of Silver Lining Cafe and Vairagi Cafe, they were too good and the portion was also generous, but ultimately the cherry on top is the environment and the people there.

Coming to some Indian things. Due to many Tibetan people there are a lot of food stalls and shops which serves Tibetan dishes. We all love momos, dumplings. Bir is a heaven for momo. Starting from Veg to chicken to pork, everything is available. Thukpas, Thentuk, Noodles tops the list on the basis of sale. Just explore by walking through the streets and search such small eateries, they are amazing!

Silver Linings Cafe

5. Experiencing dramatic sunsets 

The sunset is one of the best sunsets I've experienced. The first day I simply sat at the landing site and saw its grandeur. The next day I found a rock in the middle of paddy field and immediately captured the spot. Took out my camera and waited for the sunset. The additional element are the paragliders who adds beauty to this sunset. The wide panoramic view of the sunset in Bir is really a must to experience.

The view during sunset

Trying to pose

How to reach BIR BILLING?

Bir is around 520kms away from Delhi. There are two possible ways to reach Bir. Either take a direct bus from Delhi to Bir Billing or take a bus to Dharamshala and from their hire a cab or take a bus to Bir.

An overnight journey from Delhi will take you to Bir.

Best time to visit BIR BILLING?

In my opinion the best time to visit Bir Billing is from October-April. The weather remains stable and the accommodations are also available. Also its less crowded after December. So its better to visit after the peak season which is from October to November.

Estimated cost to visit BIR BILLING

The journey to and fro Delhi will cost you around Rs7000-8000 for 3nights, 4days including all the activities, accommodations, food etc.

For any further query on BIR BILLING DM me on INSTAGRAM

HAPPY TRAVELLING!

By- Tirthankar Ghosh

Also read about my experience in a remote village in Spit Valley