Bir is known as the paragliding capital of India. There are plenty of places to travel to in India for adventure. Some are famous for bungee jumping, and river rafting. Some are famous for scuba diving. And then there is Bir, famous in India for paragliding. People from all over the world come to India to enjoy these adventures. Paragliding in India has become one of the leading adventure activities in the world for several years. The best and safest destination for paragliding in India is Bir Town in Himachal Pradesh.
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Best Paragliding Site In India- Bir & Billing
Bir and Billing are small villages located about 14km apart in Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh. Bir is always famous for its natural beauty and Tibetan culture. Billing is popular for its adventure sports. Billing is a paragliding take-off point, which offers panoramic views of the world’s second-highest, 8,000 feet high, valley below. The landing place is in the field west of Bir Chaugan. In the backdrop of the blue sky of the Bir these paragliders fly all the time with colorful wings. There is another name for Bir “Parindo Ke Nagari” ( City Of Birds). Bir is called the paragliding capital in India. In 2015 the paragliding World cup was held in Himachal Pradesh at Bir Billing villages for the first time.
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How To Go Bir Billing
There are many ways to go to the paragliding capital, I mean Bir Billing village. I go from Kolkata to Delhi and plan the rest to go from Delhi to Himachal mainly Bir. From Delhi and Chandigarh, you can reach Bir by Volvo bus or by car.
Delhi to Bir 489 kilometers. Time Take 11 to 12 hrs. There are various overnight buses ( Private and Government) operating from Delhi to Bir. Manju ka Tilla and Kashmeri gate from these two bus stand you will get a bus to Bir. Bus ranges from 1200 to 1400 depending upon the luxury and season.
Chandigarh to Bir is 289 kilometers. You can get a direct bus from Chandigarh ISBT to Bir. Time takes 7hrs by Car or bus. Bus cost around 1000 Rs.
The nearest airport Kangra Airport is 68 kilometers away from Bir town. The time takes 2 to 3 hours by car or bus. But to reach Kangra Airport, you need to go via Delhi Airport.
From Dharamsala and Mecloadganj you can easily reach Bir colony by hiring a car or taking a local bus. It will take 6 to 7 hrs. So what are you waiting for, enjoy your memorable flight in the paragliding capital of India.
Please Note Bir to Billing is 15Km & the time takes 40 minutes by car.
Bir Paragliding Information
Bir and Billing is the safest paragliding site in India. This is the place where India gets the opportunity of the International Paragliding World Cup. All amenities here meet international standards. You will always have a license holder paraglider with you whenever you paraglide. So don’t worry about your smooth landing. Some risks involved with adventure sports. To deal with this, experience rescue teams trained on-site to deal with any unforeseen accidents. The Bir Billing Paragliding adventure starts at Billing where you’ll be at approximately 7,600 feet above the ground. Expect to be in the air for 15 to 30 minutes after which you’ll land at Bir which is 4,300 feet above sea level.
Timing
You cannot paraglide when the region receives rainfall, usually from July to September. Otherwise, paragliding is done here all the time for the rest of the year. The best month is October till mid-December. This time you will see a gorgeous view of the Dhuladhar ranges with clear skies.
You can go paragliding anytime from 7 am in the morning to 6 pm. But people prefer paragliding at sunset. There is only one reason, the sky and the surrounding environment look so beautiful at this time. Many times while paragliding, you have to wait a long time at the take-off point for clear weather.
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Booking
Don’t need to book online. When you get in Bir, you will find lots of operators in the Tibetian colony bazaar area, who book paragliding and other activities all day long. There are also lots of paragliding instructor information in the hotel or hostel where you will be staying. Call them to book your time and enjoy.
Price
The cost of paragliding in Bir is INR 1800 to 2500. The flight journey time is 15 to 25 minutes. This price including
Bir to Billing transportation (15Km) and video photography. Some people can do 45 minutes of paragliding if they want, in which case the charges become INR 4000.
Please Note There is another still photographer on the landing site. When someone is landing the photographer clicks a lot of your landing pictures. And then sells them 200 Rs for all pictures. But it’s up to you whether you want to buy those pictures or not.
Age & Weight
There is a certain weight limit for paragliding, which is that you have to weigh between 15 kg and 95 kg. If your weight is between 95 kg and 115 kg, then you too can fly, but you have to pay a fee of 500 rupees. Children under the age of 18 will also need parental consent to fly.
Safety Precaution
Always Choo’s license holder and experienced paragliding instructor.
Wear something warm when you go paragliding.
You need sports shoes that fit properly. During takeoff and landing time you need to be running so good shoes will help you.
Avoid carrying too many things. You will be dropped off at another point after you land, so carry just what you need.
Don’t eat heavy food before paragliding.
Don’t panic in the air. Be a team player do as your instructor say and enjoy the thrill in the air.
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Fly Solo In Paragliding Capital
You can have your solo paragliding experience here. But for that, you have to do a month’s course at the paragliding institute here. And only if they give you a certificate after taking the exam then you can fly solo. Lots of tourists from India go there for about a month only to learn paragliding. The government operates a national paragliding institute with training facilities for domestic and international pilots. So fly solo in the paragliding capital of India.
Please Note– The local police can take a fine of up to 1000 RS for not wearing musk. So wear your mask.
