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📍 About & Historical Insights
Nestled in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Bir Billing is a serene village known for its blend of adventure, spirituality, and Tibetan culture. Popularly hailed as the paragliding capital of India, and hosting the Paragliding World Cup and attracting pilots from across the globe.
Beyond adventure sports, the area serves as a significant center for Tibetan Buddhism, housing several monasteries and offering visitors a chance to experience authentic mountain culture amidst breathtaking Himalayan vistas.
📜 Historical Insights The paragliding history of Bir Billing dates back to the 1980s when European pilots discovered the exceptional thermal conditions and perfect wind patterns of the Dhauladhar range. The site gained international prominence in 2015 when it hosted the Paragliding World Cup. The town became home to the Chokling Monastery and several other important Buddhist institutions, earning it the nickname "Little Tibet".Read More
🕰 Best Time to Visit
- Peak Season (March to May & September to November): These months offer the most favorable conditions for paragliding with consistent thermals, clear skies, and excellent visibility.
● Monsoon Season (June to August): This period is ideal for budget travelers,meditation retreats,
and experiencing the region's spiritual side. However, be prepared for frequent rainfall and cloudy
conditions.
● Winter Season (December to February): This season is perfect for those seeking solitude, winter
photography, and cozy cafe experiences.
solitude, winter photography, and cozy cafe experiences.
Rryokou Tip:
- Avoid monsoon (June-August) due to landslides and flight suspensions.
- For Paragliding, March to May and September to November offer the best flying conditions with strong
thermals and stable weather patterns.
Read More
🛣 Transport Tips
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kangra Airport (Gaggal) located 67 kilometers away. Daily flights connect from Delhi, though services can be irregular. From the airport, hire a taxi or take a bus to Bir Billing (2-2.5 hours journey).
- By Train: Pathankot Railway Station (142 km) is the nearest major railway junction with excellent connectivity to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities. From Pathankot, take a bus or taxi to Bir Billing (approximately 4 hours). Alternatively, Ahju station (45 km) is closer but has limited train services.
● By Road:
- From Delhi: Take NH44 via Chandigarh and Pathankot (approximately 10-12 hours, 500 km)
- From Chandigarh: Via Pathankot route (6-7 hours, 280 km)
- From Dharamshala: Direct route via Palampur (1.5 hours, 40 km)
🛣 Local Transport
● Local buses connect Bir with nearby towns like Baijnath and Palampur
● Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available for short distances
● Many accommodations offer pickup services from Pathankot or Kangra airport
● Renting a motorcycle or bicycle is popular for exploring the area independently
Read More
📸 Key Attractions
🪂 Paragliding from Billing to Bir
Paragliding in Bir Billing is not just a sport—it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Launching from Billing (2,400 meters) and landing in Bir (1,400 meters), this flight offers breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range, lush pine forests, and terraced fields.
Tip from Rryokou:
Ask for a GoPro video or bring your action cam — some pilots offer a handle mount!
● Tsering Jong Monastery – A Spiritual Hideaway
🧘♂️ Overview:
A peaceful retreat that functions as a Nyingma lineage monastery, Tsering Jong is more than just a religious site – it’s a living learning center.
📍Location:
Upper Bir, nestled amidst pine forests – 15 minutes from the Tibetan Colony.
🕰 Timings & Entry Fee
- Open daily: 8:00 AM
- 5:30 PM-Free
🧭What to Do:
- Attend a morning or evening prayer session
- Explore the Tara Temple, part of the complex
- Walk around the prayer flags trail
📸 Rryokou Tip:
Visit early morning for photos with fog-veiled pine trees and monks at practice.
Chokling Monastery
🧘♂️Overview:
Built in the late 1960s by Neten Chokling Rinpoche, this vibrant monastery is easily recognizable by its golden stupa, dramatic facade, and sweeping views.
🕰 Timings & Entry Fee
- Open daily: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Most active around 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM during prayer services
- Free
📸Rryokou Tip:
- Best visited around golden hour (5:00 PM) for a magical red-gold glow perfect for Instagram
- Panoramic sunset view from the back courtyard
Deer Park Institute: A Sanctuary of Wisdom in Bir
🏞 Overview :
It's a center for classical Indian wisdom traditions, offering Buddhist philosophy lectures, meditation retreats, yoga, and cultural events.
📍 Location :
Near Bir Bazaar – Walking distance from the Tibetan Colony
⏰ Timings & Entry Fee
- Regular Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
- General Campus Visit: Free of charge
- Guided Tour: ₹50 per person (includes tea/coffee)
📸 Rryokou Tip:
Golden hour light in the courtyard with the Bodhi tree and colorful flags makes a perfect setting for peaceful photo content. 📍Use hashtag: #PauseAtDeerPark
- While in the area, combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Bir Market, and a stop at June16 Café for a post-reflection coffee and views.
🪂 Billing Takeoff Point – Soar Above the Dhauladhars
🏞 Overview :
Even for non-paragliders, the journey to Billing offers spectacular mountain views and photo opportunities.
📍 Location :
Billing, Himachal Pradesh – approx. 14 km uphill from Bir
⏰ Timings & Entry Fee
- Season: March to June & September to November
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (weather permitting)
- Free
Baijnath Temple
🏞 Overview :
Located 8 kilometers from Bir, this ancient Shiva temple dates back to 1204 AD and represents exquisite medieval architecture. The temple's historical significance and intricate stone carvings make it a must-visit cultural site.
📍 Location :
Almora-Bageshwar-Karanprayag Road, Baijnath, Uttarakhand 263641
⏰ Timings & Entry Fee
- Summer: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM Winter: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Free
View Locations
🍜 Places To Eat
June16 Café
A legendary establishment among backpackers, known for excellent coffee, continental breakfast options, and stunning valley views. Their apple pie and momos are particularly recommended.
Avva Cafe
Popular for its cozy atmosphere, live music sessions, and diverse menu featuring Israeli, Italian, and Indian cuisines. The rooftop seating offers excellent mountain views.
Garden Café & Restaurant
Located near the Chokling Monastery, this peaceful spot serves organic food, fresh salads, and traditional Tibetan dishes. Perfect for quiet meals and reading sessions.
4 Tables Cafe
A minimalist cafe focusing on quality coffee, homemade cakes, and healthy meal options. Known for its friendly service and relaxed atmosphere.
Feel Nature Cafe
A very budget friendly place where you can enjoy a cup of Tea with Aloo Paratha, Thoplu, Momos and many more. The owner is very friendly and the place is nice for chilling and relaxing. Personally Recommended
Himalayan Pizza - Bir
A lovely ambience with live music on weekends with talented singers. Known for its friendly service, variety of pizzas.
🌲 Hidden Gems
📷 Photo Spots to Pin
![]( "bir-billing-paragliding-view (1)")
Paragliding launch site at Billing![]( "How-to-reach-Bangoru-waterfall (1)")
Gunehar waterfall during golden hour![]( "sun set")
Monastery gates at sunset![]( "d6b29241-city-44818-166a7453734")
Tea garden fields
🛏 Stay Recommendations
Luxury Options
- Colonel's Resort: Boutique property with well-appointed rooms, gardens, and personalized service
- The Bunker Hostel – Budget and social
- Bir Resort: Offering premium accommodations with spa services, mountain views, and proximity to paragliding sites.
- Colonel's Resort – Boutique property with well-appointed rooms, gardens, and personalized service Boutique luxury in nature.
Mid-Range Accommodations
- GoStops Bir – Co-working + hostel
- Zostel Bir: Popular backpacker hostel with dormitories and private rooms, social atmosphere, and organized activities.
- The Hosteller Bir: Modern hostel featuring comfortable beds, common areas, and excellent mountain views
- Bir Billing Heights: Family-run guesthouse offering home-cooked meals and authentic local hospitality.
Budget Options
- Shivirama Camping – Glamping under stars
- Silver Lining Hostel: Clean, affordable accommodation with basic amenities and friendly staff
- Multiple homestays: Local families offering authentic experiences, traditional meals, and insights into regional culture
- Camping options: Several operators provide tented accommodations for those seeking an outdoor experience
Map
🎒 What to Pack
- Light jackets (summer), thermal layers (winter)
- Hiking/trekking shoes, power bank, High SPF sunscreen
- Rain jacket and waterproof gear (especially during monsoon)
- Windcheater (paragliding), small backpack for treks
- Headlamp or flashlight for evening walks
- Personal first aid kit with altitude sickness medication
- Notebook for travel journaling
- Cash (ATMs are limited and internet banking unreliable)
✅ Rryokou Picks
- Book paragliding early morning and arrive at Billing takeoff point by 9 AM to witness the morning briefings and first flights of the day.(best wind conditions)
- Stay a night in Billing under the stars or Trek to the radio tower above Billing for unparalleled 360-degree views. This spot is rarely visited by tourists but offers the best panoramic photography opportunities in the entire region.
● Stay with the Norbu family homestay near Chokling Monastery for authentic Tibetan cultural immersion. They offer traditional meals, cultural stories, and insights into local Buddhist practices that typical hotels cannot provide. ● Visit Birni Devi Temple for panoramic views ● Explore offbeat working cafés for travel creators ● Visit the local weekly market in Bir every Wednesday for authentic Himachali products, handicrafts. ● Many paragliding companies offer package deals including accommodation, meals, and flights. These packages often cost less than booking separately and ensure priority booking during peak seasons. ● Support the local economy by purchasing directly from village cooperatives, using refillable water bottles, and choosing accommodations that employ local staff and source ingredients locally.Read More
