If you are in Bir or planning a trip to Bir Billing at some point, you might have heard about the one particular adventure that most people don’t skip here. Paragliding in Bir Billing is one of the most popular activities in this beautiful part of Himachal and for good reason.Â
Bir Billing is the second-highest paragliding site in the world and the paragliding capital of India. Considered the best place in Asia for paragliding, the pretty village at the foot of the Dhauladhars even hosts international paragliding events most years. Whether you want to try a short paragliding experience or get professional gliding training, this is the place to do it.
Planning your paragliding adventure
I had a memorable tandem paragliding experience in Bir Billing in October. If you want to try this sport during your Bir trip, here is everything you need to know.
The best time for paragliding in Bir Billing
Paragliding is a non-motorized sport, very dependent on weather and thermals. The official season for paragliding in Bir Billing opens in October and continues till the monsoon. However, the best time for paragliding here is the pre-winter months of October and November, when the weather is ideal with calm winds. The next best time for paragliding in Bir Billing is between March and June, with warm temperatures encouraging good thermal buildup.
While paragliding is possible in winter (December to February), the cool weather can mean that only short flights are possible. If paragliding is a big part of your trip plans, you might be better off not traveling here during peak winter.
Paragliding costs in Bir Billing
While pricing can vary by season and operator, expect to pay about Rs. 3000/- for a 15-20 minute tandem flight. This price includes pick-up from your accommodation within Bir, drop back at the same place after landing, and a set of GoPro videos and pictures of your flight.
You can ask your hotel/hostel to arrange this or book something locally.
What to expect from your paragliding adventure
Paragliding flights take off from a grassy hill in Billing, about 15 km from Bir village. From this spot, at about 8,000 feet above sea level, you will glide down and over Bir to the landing site at the edge of the town. During the flight, you will be treated to unforgettable views of the Dhauladhar mountains, colourful monasteries, and the grassy pastures around Bir.
In a tandem flight, a professional pilot controls the glider, and all you have to do is follow instructions and enjoy the view! What’s more, after landing, they will provide you with a GoPro video of your entire flight and pictures of your landing.
If you aren’t good with heights (like me), it’ll be natural to feel a little nervous before taking off. However, once you are soaring in the air, trust me – it’ll all feel worth it. It’s an unforgettable experience, and the adrenaline rush will stay with you for hours afterward.
Handy tips for a memorable paragliding adventure
a. Paragliding flights from Billing operate throughout the day from sunrise to sunset. If you have a choice, go just after sunrise or close to sunset — the view will be amazing.
b. Dress comfortably in well-fitted clothes (I would advise track pants) and sports shoes, and add a warm layer like a jacket as you will be colder than you expected. Apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses.
c. Don’t carry anything other than absolute essentials with you. You can’t take it on the tandem flight, and there won’t be any storage space available. I only carried my phone and wallet in my jacket pocket (safely zipped up).
d. The landing site and the fields around it are nice to hang out at — stay on afterward and enjoy a snack or meal at any of the cafes nearby.
e. Follow your pilot’s take-off and landing instructions carefully.
f. Sign up only with an authorized paragliding operator; if you are unsure about someone, you can ask to check their paragliding license.
g. Don’t fly if you are feeling unwell.
Other things to do in Bir Billing
While paragliding is the most popular activity in Bir Billing, there are plenty of other things to do in Bir. You can go on hikes or treks, visit the local monasteries, explore the tea gardens and waterfalls, hang out in the cafes, and visit nearby places like Barot and Baijnath. Whatever you choose to do, keep some time aside to chill out and enjoy this beautiful place.Â
If you have a few more days, a trip to Dharamkot is highly recommended!
Have you tried paragliding in Bir? Let me know how your experience was!
I did paragliding in Bir around the time this blog was published.
Recently delved into the exhilarating world of paragliding in Bir Billing. The adrenaline rush, combined with the breathtaking aerial views, is beyond description. The article provided valuable insights, making me seriously consider adding this thrilling adventure to my bucket list. Bir Billing, here I come!
I must say I never thought of seeing India from above as a possibility.
Then again, I’ve seen a little too many videos of paragliding gone wrong. And while I’m aware those are exceptions, I still need to gather combined interest and courage to really try it out.
But your article made me google where is this Bir Billing place.
I would have loved to see the GoPro video of your flight!
I hear you. I was terrified initially, but decided to push myself out of the comfort zone for a change! I will look at putting up an edited (shorter) version of the GoPro video, thanks for the idea 🙂
What an exciting adventure! I don’t know if I could do paragliding, though, I’m too afraid of heights!
I know what you mean, I am too! But once those few seconds of sheer terror passed, the rest was lovely 🙂
I would be super interested in this. My first (and unfortunately only) paragliding experience was with the Matterhorn in Switzerland at 10,000 feet. I was hooked and so now I want to do this everywhere I can!
Wow, paragliding at Matterhorn must have been spectacular! I think you’d enjoy Bir too.