The two small hamlets of Bir and Billing tucked away in the valleys of Kangra in Himachal are synonymous with Para Gliding. However, due to the global pandemic and the resulting lock down in the state, the only things taking flight in these scenic and stunning valleys have been the resident birds.
But the good news for all you adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers is that the state government will permit every kind of paragliding from September 15, which would also reignite much needed tourism in Kangra valley.
Most tourists stay in Bir and travel 14 kms through a mountainous road leading to a cliff in Billing where most paragliding adventures begin while the landing zones are mostly back in Bir.
Apart from Paragliding, Bir Billing is also famous for its spiritual studies and meditation centers, stunning views of the Himalayas, Trekking and Camping options, beautiful Monasteries and Tibetan settlements.
Click Here to start planning your trip before everything gets booked out.
Getting There:
By Bus
Bir is about four hours or so from Dharamshala/McLeodGanj.
From Dharamshala: There are direct buses to Bir Road/Upper Bir leaving at 6 am & 2 pm from Lower Dharamshala. Or you can take a bus to Palampur, then to Baijnath. From Baijnath there are buses every half hour to Upper Bir - for Bir Colony ask them to drop you at Chowgan crossroads, then you have to walk about 1km. Or get off at Bir Road junction and get a taxi (Rs50-60).
From Delhi: From the Inter-state Bus Terminal (ISBT), take a direct bus to Bir Colony. There are other buses that go either Baijnath or Bir Road(The one going to Joginder Nagar) - the latter is closer. There are many overnight buses leaving Delhi departing mid evening and arrive early morning.
By Taxi
This is the most convenient way of getting to Bir from Pathankot (~4 hours, Rs. 2500) or Dharamshala (2 hours, Rs 1500).
Taxis from Bir Road (the final destination of most long-distance buses) to the Tibetan Colony or Deer Park should not cost more than Rs 60-70.
Taxis from Upper Bir or the Tibetan Colony to Ghornala (for the Dharmalaya Institute) should cost Rs 150 return
Happy Flying!
Follow me on Instagram @getbuslivin.ss for my travel pics.
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