If adventure had an address in India, it would be Bir Billing. Tucked away in the picturesque Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Bir Billing is not just a destination; it’s an experience. From the thrill of paragliding in Bir Billing to cosy café hopping, camping under the stars, and exploring Tibetan monasteries, this small mountain village has become one of the top travel destinations in Himachal over the last few years.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a seeker of peace, this Bir Billing travel guide will walk you through everything you need to know before planning your trip.
Bir Billing is globally recognised as the paragliding capital of India. Its fame skyrocketed when it hosted the 2015 Paragliding World Cup, attracting flyers from across the globe.
Here’s why it’s considered special:
Billing (2,400 meters) is the take-off point.
Bir (1,500 meters) is the landing site.
The 15–20 km flight path offers one of the world’s best paragliding experiences, with the Dhauladhar mountain range, dense forests, and lush valleys unfolding beneath you.
The combination of smooth wind conditions, thermals, and breathtaking scenery makes Bir Billing paragliding a bucket-list adventure for both beginners and seasoned flyers.
Duration of Flights: Tandem flights last 20–40 minutes, depending on wind conditions. Some operators also offer long-duration cross-country flights for advanced enthusiasts.
Cost of Paragliding: Prices typically range between ₹2,500 and ₹3,500 for a tandem flight, which includes pilot fees and equipment. Longer flights may cost more.
Safety: Always book with certified paragliding operators. Bir Billing is considered safe due to its ideal geography and the presence of trained professionals, but following safety instructions is crucial.
Booking: Paragliding can be booked online or through local operators at Bir. During peak season, it’s advisable to pre-book.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, and carry sunglasses for added protection. The wind at higher altitudes can be cold, even in summer.
The best time to visit Bir Billing depends on what you want to do:
March to May: Perfect for paragliding, trekking, and camping. The valley is green and vibrant.
October to November: Ideal for paragliding with clear skies and crisp autumn air.
December to February: Winters are cold but peaceful. Paragliding happens only if conditions allow. Great for those who love snow-clad landscapes.
Monsoon (July–September): Avoid paragliding during this period due to heavy rainfall and slippery trails.
By Air: The nearest airport is Kangra/Gaggal Airport (Dharamshala), around 67 km from Bir. From there, taxis and buses are available for transportation.
By Train: Ahju Railway Station (3 km from Bir) is the nearest narrow-gauge station. Pathankot is the nearest broad-gauge railway hub.
By Road: Bir is well-connected by buses and taxis from Delhi (520 km), Chandigarh (280 km), and Dharamshala (65 km). Overnight Volvo buses from Delhi to Bir are popular among travellers.
Where to Stay in Bir Billing
Bir has transformed into a backpacker’s haven, offering all types of accommodations:
Budget Hostels: Great for solo travellers and backpackers (₹400–₹700 per night).
Guesthouses & Homestays: Warm Zanskari-style hospitality starting from ₹1,000 per night.
Luxury Stays: Boutique resorts and glamping sites for a comfortable mountain escape.
Bir Billing Camping: Campsites at Billing offer tents with bonfires, music, and a raw Himalayan vibe.
Pro Tip: If you want to stargaze, stay at Billing (the take-off site). If you prefer cafes and connectivity, stay at Bir (the landing site).
While paragliding is the crown jewel, there are plenty of other things to do in Bir Billing:
Camping: Spend a night under the stars at Billing, with bonfires and soulful music.
Trekking: Explore short hikes to waterfalls or attempt longer treks like the Rajgundha Valley Trek.
Explore Tibetan Monasteries: Visit Sherabling Monastery, Chokling Monastery, and Tsering Jong Monastery for spiritual peace.
Café Hopping: Bir has quirky cafes like Garden Café, Avva’s Café, and Silver Linings offering great food with mountain views.
Mountain Biking: Rent a cycle and explore trails through forests and tea gardens.
Volunteering & Meditation: Join eco-projects or meditation centres for a deeper cultural experience.
Sunset Point: Don’t miss the magical sunset over the Dhauladhar range from Bir.
Food & Cafes in Bir
Bir has developed a vibrant café culture over the past few years. Some must-visit spots include:
June 16th Café: Famous for desserts and coffee.
Garden Café: Perfect for breakfast.
Silver Linings Café: Cosy with valley views.
Avva’s Café: A mix of local and continental dishes.
Don’t miss local Tibetan momos, thukpa, and Himachali siddu.
Paragliding: ₹2,500–₹3,500 (20–40 mins).
Stay: ₹400 (budget hostels) to ₹4,000+ (luxury stays).
Food: ₹200–₹500 per meal in cafes.
Camping: ₹1,500–₹2,500 per night, including meals.
Travel Tips for Bir Billing
Carry cash: ATMs are limited and may not always work.
Pre-book paragliding in peak season (March–May, Oct–Nov).
Carry warm clothes even in summer; evenings can get chilly.
Respect local culture, monasteries, and eco-friendly practices.
Avoid the monsoon season for safety reasons.
Day 1: Arrive in Bir, check into your hostel/campsite, explore monasteries, and enjoy sunset point.
Day 2: Early morning paragliding at Billing, spend the day café hopping, and evening camping with a bonfire.
Day 3: Short trek to Rajgundha or waterfall hike, followed by relaxation at cafes. Depart for Delhi/Dharamshala.
Manali
Kerala
Kashmir
Spiti Valley
Dharamshala
Shimla
Ladakh
Bir Billing
Dalhousie
Kasol
Tirthan & Jibhi
Meghalaya
Tawang