What's the first thing that comes to your mind when someone says Bir? Well, I'm sure it's paragliding!
At least 90 percent of people visiting Bir have that very same reason in their mind. And the fact that paragliding is World's second highest takeoff point makes up for this hue and craze for it.
Well in this blog we'll definitely be covering paragliding along with things of interests that can provide a perfect itinerary for those who have fear of altitudes.
Head to your hotel and check in.
We booked La Maison - a boutique bnb just a few mins away from the central BIR. You can look for this property here : https://www.lamaisonbir.com/
You can even watch our detailed travel episode on BIR at our Youtube.
We stepped out after resting for a bit/
Gunehar Village:
Distance from Bir : 4.3kms
Cost : 100 INR for toll, 200 INR per person for guide, 50 INR for
Visit duration : 2-3 hours
Gunehar is a small Himalayan village located in Kangra valley just outside of BIR which is picking up the footfall because of this hidden waterfall - Bangoru waterfall.
In order to reach the bottom of waterfall one has to trek for 1.1kms, 300-400m of which involves walking on rocks. Hence it is advisable to take a guide as they know how to navigate through the rocks as they are highly slippery. One should carry raincoats only then you can stand in proximity to waterfall without getting drenched.
Note : There's another waterfall as well which in true sense is the hidden one.
Tsering Jong Monastery:
Distance from Bir : 2.9kms
Cost : ZERO
Visit duration : 0.5-1.5hours
How many of you know that BIR is basically a Tibetan refugees settlement in 1960s post 1959 Tibetan uprising. You can view a lot of revolutionaries being commemorated in different monasteries in Bir and Dharamshala. Especially in Bir there are over a dozen monasteries one can visit to have a spiritual awakening.
Tsering Jong Monastery is one of the most beautiful and Insta-worthy monasteries in BIR amongst the lot and one must definitely not miss this one. You can even enjoy the beautiful sightings of the ducks.
Cost for 2 : 1000 INR
It was high time for us to catch lunch as were famished. The place isn't cheap and is located in the BIR market. One can definitely order a shake here - it will be scrumptious. The pizza wasn't a bummer but wasn't way too great either.
Just after our tummies were full it was time for our adventure.
Our paragliding adventure:
Cost : 3000 INR/Person
Activity duration : 3-4 hrs
Bir - the paragliding capital of India has a plethora of adventure seekers lined up for this activity. Recent guidelines from the government have fixed the rate of this activity which has actually benefitted this business.
The rate is now fixed at 3000 INR per person for a joy ride and this cost includes - 15-25mins of the activity experience, a go pro video of the same, pickup and drop from the landing site. During your landing you'll encounter a photographer who must have taken your photos and you can buy them for 200 INR per person.
Here's a few things to keep in mind regarding paragliding :
Always check the model and quality of the go pro model.
Make sure the lens is clean.
Ask them to switch to the best quality video (you'll need at least 20gbs of data free in your phone)
The camera is on during the takeoff so you can act accordingly.
One must run a full length during your takeoff even if it includes running downhill, cos failure to do the same can result in injuries.
Landing point is one of the spots for watching charismatic sunsets of BIR. The other location for those who want to watch from an altitude is The Northern Café (the food isn't great there avoid that just order a drink).
It was now time for us to head back to our next at La Maison for a calm and soothing sleep.
Just after witnessing a beautiful sunrise from the terrace of our boutique stay and a delicious continental breakfast prepared by Preeti (co owner and chef of La Maison) it was now time for us to visit some tea gardens in Palampur.
Baijnath Temple:
Distance from Bir: 13kms
Cost : Free
Visit Duration : 20-40 mins
This Temple is dedicated to our deity Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath and is located in the town of Baijnath in Kangra district. The 8th century temple is built in Nagara style of architecture.
Note : Here one will find a lot of Agamas which will be camouflaged with the wall. They are considered harmless though.
Just outside of Baijnath is a century old bakery shot which goes by the name of Adarsh Bakery. One must definitely buy some cookies for them. We packed around 8 bags of the same.
Wah Tea Estate (Palampur):
Distance from Bir : 27kms
Cost : 200 for tea tasting and factory tour
Visit Duration : 0.5- 1.5hrs
Wah Tea Estate was originally founded by the British and now belongs to the Prakash family since 1953. The drive is scenic, one can watch tree canopies all along the way. You even get to drive past massive tea gardens.
We planned on visiting this tea factory to witness the tea making process and enjoy our first tea tasting experience.
We bought tickets costing 200per person which included tea tasting, tea garden and the factory tour. One can roam in tea gardens for free but other experiences are chargeable as mentioned. The guided tour mainly talks about the process of cultivation, showcasing what sort of leaves are plucked, some historical facts about tea and debunks some myths as well. In the factory one can witness the crushing, withering processes and the root difference between blends are told.
No cameras are allowed inside the factory but other than that there is no restriction when it comes to shooting.
You get to taste at least 20-25 blends during tea tasting.
Palpung Sherabling Monastery and Stupa:
This Monastery is located in upper Bhattu region but maps somehow fail to navigate the course, we offer a drive to a lama who helped us in reaching there and it was our bad luck that it was closed for tourists due to Covid precautions. And the only pic I was able to capture was this.
Palpung Sherabling Stupas:
Cost : ZERO
Visit duration : 20-30 mins
The best thing about these beautiful stupas is that it lies on the road and one can witness a beautiful sunset from here.
Scenic Bhattu Road:
We were running a bit late to catch our bus and that's when we came across this beautiful road which was nothing less than a beautiful scenery - an ideal location to click some portraits. Also we watched our sunset from here.
After a brief visit to Bir market to buy souvenirs we head over to the bus stand.
If you're travelling to Bir, make sure to spend at least 2 nights there. Also it allows you to explore Palampur a bit more - we missed Adretta's pottery classes, Kangra fort (do visit this in spring season) and few more tea gardens in Dharamshala and Palampur.
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Think we missed out on something? Tell us about it in the comments below. Or write about it here on Tripoto.
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