Interestingly, if you wish to learn the basics of Paragliding, a 15-day learning course costing Rs 48,000/- is also available. In this course, you will learn ground handling along with 10 to 15 solo independent flights. This course is available from September to March every year.

Best time for Paragliding in Bir Billing

Every season is best for any adventure enthusiast as they get to experience different aspects of nature. However, March, April and September to November are considered among the best time for paragliding in Bir Billing as the temperature is ambient and the sky is clear.

Camping in Bir Billing Himachal Pradesh

If you are an avid traveller who is in love with nature, there is nothing better to do than camping in Bir Billing. While outdoor camping can be tried if you are solo or with group of trekkers.

All said and done, with family too, camping is Bir Billing is a viable option. There are a range of options for camping in Bir Billing Himachal Pradesh.

Oak View Camp

Located among oak forests in village Garnala, Oak view camp stands true to its name. Cozy tents, clean ambiance and serene calmness are the things which you will find in abundance in this campsite. The camp team will also arrange for paragliding activities in case you wish to do so, 

Kasbah Camp

Camping in Bir Billing can also be done at Kasbah camps. They have cottages similar to Swiss cottages and in case you want an exciting mix of luxury and outdoor ambiance, Kasbah camp can definitely help you accomplish the same.

There are numerous other campsites in Bir Billing and you will never fall short of options. Some of these include Monkey Mud Hostels and Camp, Nirvana Eco Camps, Connect and Tatva Bir Tents to name a few.

Visit to Deer Park Institute

Your visit to Bir Himachal Pradesh would be incomplete in case you do not visit the Deep Park Institute. If you have an interest in exploring different aspects of Buddhism, Deer Park Institute can help quest your thirst for knowledge and wisdom.

 
It is also a centre for learning and you can enroll in different meditation, philosophy related programs here. Small workshops and sessions on meditation, religion and Buddhist philosophy are also held in the institute occasionally and you will definitely benefit by being part of the same. Workshops and programs relation to meditation are held here and range from two days to two months. The Deer Park institute is quite popular and people from all over the world enroll here for learning different aspects of meditation, philosophy and religion. This place should be on your wishlist when you are in Bir Himachal Pradesh.

Visit to Bir Tea Factory

Bir Billing weather allows you to indulge in a range of activities. On a rainy day, in can you are unable to try hand at paragliding, a visit to Bir tea factory can be undertaken easily. Bir Billing weather allows tea to grow organically here and thus you will find tea factory and tea gardens in and around Bir Billing Himachal Pradesh.

You can plan a visit to tea gardens located in Chowgan area of Lower Bir. It would be an altogether different experience of purchasing freshly prepared tea from Bir Billing Himachal Pradesh tea gardens.

 
Women carrying tea baskets and plucking tea leaves offer a soothing sight in Bir and you can get a first-hand insight on plucking tea leaves from them too, in case you are interested in knowing key facts on tea plucking.

Visit to Chokling Monastery

Bir is also home to Tibetan colony and in this colony, you will find Chokling Monastery, a popular yet spiritual place in Bir. Painted in white and bright red, the monastery is a treat to eyes. The stupa and the statue of Padmasambhava adds to the elegant and serene beauty of the place.

Lush green lawns, meditation centre and the fluttering Tibetan flags add to the beauty of the place, a mesmerizing and heartful experience, something which can only be felt and hard to describe in words. A recommended place to visit when you happen to be in Bir Himachal Pradesh. The monastery is open from 8:00 am in the morning to 6:00 pm in evening.

Stroll in the Market

A visit to any tourist location is incomplete without a round of the local market. This holds true in case of Bir Billing Himachal Pradesh and like other visitors, you would not be able to resit the feeling of exploring this small market. The market is quite lively and you should definitely carry some souvenirs from this market to your place. Besides local handicraft and local tea you will get a range of Tibetan products at a reasonable price, in case you are good at making a bargain.

Places to stay in Bir

Besides camping, it is advisable to try exploring some homestays in Bir Himachal Pradesh for a comfortable stay. One such recommended property is Sparrow House in Bir. True to its name, you will wake up to sound of chirping birds here as Sparrow House is located amidst garden in Bir Himachal Pradesh. 

The owners Karan and Harshita are welcoming always and are quite knowledgeable about the area. Needless to say, they suggest places and café to explore in Bir and you will feel at home here.

Exploring Village Life in Bir Himachal Pradesh

If you are core traveller by heart, trying the usual things to do in Bir will take only day or two. The real fun begins when you start experiencing the way villagers have been living here since ages. Take my word, your experience of being in Bir Billing Himachal Pradesh would be redefined if you make sustained effort to be at this place for a while.

The best way of doing so is renting a house in the village for a month or so. The experience of the window opening to the gleam of sunlight coming from Dhauladhar is something which no set of words can describe.

Colourful parachutes would be dotting the sky all the while and you would be relishing the feeling sitting in your small garden witnessing the mighty Dhauladhar far away and the lush green fields right in front of your eyes.

Mud houses with slates add a unique zing to the entire feeling and the foggy mornings only make things better, if you are true nature lover.

In the name of traffic jam, you will have local gaddis going with their flock of sheep to the high mountains and it is always common to get stuck among these heard of sheep in Bir Himachal Pradesh, but only if you are core traveller. Not to forget the local Pahari and Kangri slang you will definitely catch if you decide to spend some quality time in Bir Billing Himachal Pradesh.

What to Eat in Bir Billing

There is a lot to explore and experiment if you are a true foodie. Bir has a number of options and in case you have time by your side, by the time you head back, you would have tasted a lot.

Momos of Ram Bahadur

When in Bir Himachal Pradesh, you have the urge of eating Momos, the best place to be is at Ram Bahadur Café. The name might sound ordinary but the momos taste like anything! The momos come with vegetable, chicken and mutton fillings and you can try both steamed and fried ones. The chutney they serve is truly delicious and you would definitely like a second filling.

Nyingma Restaurant for Thupka

If you are in love with traditional Tibetan dishes, nothing better than trying Thupka at Nyingma restaurant in Bir Billing Himachal Pradesh. Their Thupka is indeed the best in Bir and you can also order a Ginger Lemon Honey tea to add to the magical essence.

Home Cooked food at Kuckie’s Café

For those who love the vibe of home cooked food, even at a busy tourist location, Kuckie’s Café is the place to be. Be it typical himachal food or some crispy Punjabi delicacies, you will get the authentic home cooked food feeling, once you try the delicacies at Kuckie’s Café in Bir.

Planning your Travel to Bir Billing Himachal Pradesh

Bir Billing Weather

Bir Billing weather is quite unpredictable and if you plan a visit March to May and later September to November would be the ideal time to be here. Landslides during monsoon months are quite common and thus this period is not advisable for a visit.

 

How to reach Bir Billing

Bir is around 68 Km from the nearest airport of Gaggal in Kangra. Taxi would be available at the airport and you can perfectly head to Br accordingly.

If you are coming by train and wish to experience travel by narrow gauge train the nearest railway station is Ahju which is only 3 Km away. The nearest broad gauge railway station is at Pathankot in Punjab which is 142 Km away. Travelling in the toy train on a narrow-gauge line is a mesmerizing experience in itself and in case you have ample time, this would be the best way to travel.

Travelling by bus is also an ideal way as you would pass through maze of mountains and tea estates as you make way to Bir Billing. Buses are available from Delhi and Chandigarh in case you are coming from any of these cities or from this region.

List of Paragliding Operators in Bir  

FAQs

What is special about Bir Billing?

The region is known as Parachute capital of India and World Championship also takes place here every year which has led to its popularity. In addition, you will get to experience the mystical Dhauladhar mountain ranges from close quarter when you are here.

Are Bir and Billing different places?

The name Bir Billing is often taken collectively which has led to some confusion. Bir is the landing point for parachutes and Billing is the take off point which is 14 Km away from Bir, high on the mountain range.

How many days would be sufficient for exploring Bir Billing?

There are range of activities that can be done in Bir Billing Himachal Pradesh. Thus, it is advisable to come with a 3–5-day plan when you decide to explore this region.

Can trekking be done from Bir to Billing?

There are many treks that can be done in this region and one of these is Bir to Billing Trek. This trek is around 10 Km long and will take 3-4 hours. It passes through oak forests and is indeed mesmerizing.