Bir - Billing
Bir is a small village in Himachal Pradesh which is also known as the paragliding capital of India. A place so pristine, this village adds extra glitters and jitters to the beauty of Himachal. Bir is located at an elevation of 5,000 feet amidst the serene landscapes, snow-capped hills, and artistic temples. Home to a Tibetan colony, this place holds a rich culture featuring the Deer Park Institute, a centre for Indian tradition wisdom patronage by Dalai Lama, widening the horizons of your knowledge about traditions.
Not just a visual treat, Bir is famous for enthralling activities including trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, and hand gliding, giving you savour the adrenaline rush you’ve been looking for. For the ones looking for a thrill-filled vacation to challenge your inner adventurer, Bir won’t disappoint you at all. Bir has something for everyone; head to the Bir Road market to quench your shopping cravings, leisure walk along the lake, enjoy few hours at the Himalayan Film school, explore the cafes that serve divine local Tibetan dishes, and watch the tranquilising sight as the sun sets in the sky gleaming with different hues.
The summer season of Bir, starting from April to June, turns this beautiful land into heaven as the snow melts making the weather pleasant. This is considered the best time for paragliding bringing flocks of people from all over the globe. Magnifying the elegance of Bir, the monsoon showers flourish the flora and fauna of the place turning the place into heaven. The light to heavy showers make it an offseason for paragliding, therefore, if you want to explore Bir and indulge in activities other than paragliding then this season is perfectly fine.
The temperature in winters, starting from December to March, drop down to sub-zero as it starts to snow in the upper regions covering it in 5-6 feet ice sheet. If you wish to winter trek then you can visit Bir in this season, but make sure you are well prepared.
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Bir - Billing FAQ's
What are the places to visit in Bir Billing?
The most famous Bir Billing places to visit are the Tibetan Colony, Bir Road Market, and Chokling Monastery. The Tibetan Colony is a hub of Tibetan local traditions and food, while the market offers beautiful souvenirs for shopping lovers. The Chokling Monastery lies in the heart of Bir and is home to a massive stupa and statue. Other attractions to visit in the town are Gunehar Waterfall, Palpung Sherabling Monastery, and Bir Tea Factory.
What is Bir Billing famous for?
Bir Billing is globally known as a paragliding destination and is sometimes referred to as India’s paragliding capital. The take-off for paragliding happens at Billing, while the landing occurs in Bir. What makes the town special is that it meets the international safety standards for the sport. Bir Billing also hosts the Paragliding World Championship in October every year, attracting competitors from across the world.
Is Bir and Billing same?
No, Bir and Billing are not the same. Billing is the starting point for the paragliding while Bir is the landing spot for this aero-sport flight. Bir, known as the paragliding capital of India, is located at a distance of around 14 Km from Billing.
What are the best travel advice for visiting Bir?
- You can travel to Bir by bus, train, taxi, or flight. You can take a flight to the Dharamshala’s Gaggal airport, and take a bus or taxi from there to reach Bir.
- You can take walking tours within Bir to get anywhere. You can hire a taxi or take a bus if you are going up or down the hill, and commuting longer distances.
- You need not buy bottle water in Bir. The water in Bir is considered to be clean and safer than bottled water; so get it filtered or boiled before drinking.
- You can get an accommodation at the homestays, guesthouses, hotels, or resorts in the nearby villages like Chowgan and Upper Bir.
- Most of the resort stay is budgeted and you will find basic amenities in most of the resorts and guesthouses.
- If you are extending your stay, you will also find cottages that are available for long term rentals at Ghornala.
- Avoid non-veg food in any of the places in Bir as they do not meet hygiene standards for cooking meat. You can make your own food when living in a guesthouse by buying veggies and other items in the Tibetan colony, and other nearby villages.
- Many food joints for snacks, cafes, and restaurants are available throughout Bir.
- There are many institutes spread across Bir that teach meditation and yoga.
When is the best time to visit Bir Billing?
Bir Billing can be visited all year round, with each season offering a unique experience to the travellers.
1) Peak Season – March to May and September to November mark the peak season for travelling to Bir Billing. The weather in these months is pleasant, with temperatures between 20 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius. Participate in outdoor adventures like paragliding and attend the annual Paragliding World Championship in this period.
2) Shoulder Season – December to February witnesses the winter season in Bir and is the shoulder season for visitors. These months see heavy snowfall and temperatures dropping to 0 degrees to 15 degrees Celsius. This is a good time to go trekking and explore local attractions like Chokling Monastery amidst low crowds.
3) Waning Season – June to August is the monsoon season in Bir Billing, which means these months witness heavy rainfall. Temperatures range between 18 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius with high humidity levels.
How to reach Bir Billing?
1) By Train – The nearest major railway station from Bir Billing is at Pathankot, which is around 112 kilometres from the town. Once in Pathankot, you can take the toy train to Ahju, which lies 3 kilometres away from Bir.
2) By Road – Delhi is around 480 kilometres away and it takes around ten hours to reach Bir. Take a bus or cab from Delhi or Chandigarh to Mandi. From Mandi, hop on a bus to Bir Chowk bus stop, right before Palampur.
3) By Air – The nearest airport from Bir is at Kangra, which is around 67 kilometres away from the town. For better connectivity, fly to Chandigarh Airport and then travel to Bir by cab.
Where is Bir Billing located?
Referred to as the ‘Paragliding capital of India’, Bir Billing lies in the Kangra district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The town is located in the Joginder Nagar Valley and is a popular day trip destination 70 kilometres away from Dharamshala it is easily connected by road, train, and flights.
What you will like there?
Shopping for handicrafts: You can go shopping at the bazaars in the Tibetan Colony. You will find handicrafts, ritual items of Buddhism, jewelry, and clothes. You can also shop at the Bir road for colorful items.
Meditation, yoga, and spiritual studies: Those who are fond of spiritual and philosophical studies must visit Bir-Billing institutes and take short term or long term courses. This is a popular place for gaining the treasure of spiritual studies, arts, culture, healing arts, meditation, and yoga.
Tea gardens, spas, and wellness: You can take a long stroll at the tea gardens in Chowgan during day time, and spend evening at the spas and yoga retreats at AryaMarga. Learning yoga amidst Himalayas is the best spiritual experience you can gain.
What are the best public transport modes to commute around Bir Billing?
With not much public transport available in Bir, you must come prepared in this pristine land. You can either use your own vehicle to commute around Bir Billing or avail a bike on rent to wander around the place. You can also book with tour companies which render packages along with cab facilities.
Is there snowfall in Bir Billing?
Yes, this destination gets heavy snowfall in the winter months of December to February. Bir Billing snowfall is heavy enough to form a thick snow cover throughout the town, which attracts trekkers and travellers in this period. You can also participate in paragliding, trekking, and camping during this time.
What are the things to do in Bir Billing?
One of the most popular things to do in Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh, is paragliding. The town is known worldwide for its paragliding opportunities and also hosts the Paragliding World Championship. Since Bir offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, it is also incredibly famous for trekking destination like Fularidhar and Winch Camp. Other popular things to do include hand gliding, camping, and shopping at Bir Road.
Which are the best sightseeing attractions in Bir Billing?
There are many sightseeing attractions in Bir-Billing. With the great blue sky and a view of the green mountain, Bir-Billing is a comfort for your eyes and your soul. In addition to that, there are a few places that you should visit during your stay there.
- Deer Park Institute- a monastery where you can relax, practice meditation, and enjoy some great vegetable food. Visit it in evening to enhance your experience.
- Arya Marga Yoga Institute- if you are visiting Bir-Billing for a longer period of time then this yoga institute is the place to visit. You can learn here to meditate. It will change your life.
- Bir Tea Factory- a visit to this place is a must if you are interested in knowing how the entire tea-business works. You will get a tour of the tea factory and have the chance to taste some good tea.
- Tibetan Colony- this place is famous for authentic Tibetan food and handicrafts.
- Bir Road Market- a very colorful market area where you can buy clothing and mementos.
Which are the best resorts to stay in Bir Billing?
Bir Billing has a variety of accommodation options for you. The rates are little on the higher side during the peak seasons. This is completely understandable as Bir Billing doesn’t get many tourists during monsoons and end-winters.
- Garden View Hotel- this hotel is right beside the paragliding landing site. It will also offer you a great view from its rooftop.
- Zostel- a very cozy place with good services. It offers you everything you need to relax and have a good time.
What are the best public transport modes to commute around Bir Billing?
Bir Billing mostly has mountain ways that lead to the most prominent tourist attractions. If you are a trekker then rely on your walking skills. You can also hire a mountain bike and ride it around.
Which are the best places for shopping in Bir Billing?
Bir Billing is a good place to shop for souvenirs and decorations. You can try these markets out:
- Bir Bazaar
- Kotli
- Tibetan Colony
- Bir Road
- Baijnath
Which are the famous pilgrimage spots in Bir Billing?
Bir Billing has a great number of Tibetans living in there. You can clearly notice the influence in Bir Billing’s culture and religion. There are beautiful monasteries and stupas in the area which you should visit. There are local temples too.
Which are the famous destinations for paragliding and trekking in Bir Billing?
Billing is the launching area for paragliding. From there you can glide up to Bir, where the flight ends.
The two main trekking trails in Bir-Billing are:
- Tatta Pani Trek- a 2.5 km trek from the hydro-electricity power station to the hot spring.
- Hanumangarh Trek- this is a longer trek and offers the view of the mountain. Starts from Billing and walk up to Hanumangarh.
Is paragliding open in Bir Billing?
Yes, paragliding is open to visitors depending on the month of visit. Paragliding activities are available in Bir from mid-September to first week of July. July and August mark the monsoon months, when heavy rainfall leads to closure of the valley and stoppage of paragliding activities. In other months, the activity is available throughout the day provided the weather is favourable.
What is the cost of paragliding in Bir Billing?
Bir Billing paragliding cost can range between INR 3,000 to INR 18,000 approx. These prices depend on the duration of the adventure, which can last anywhere between 15 minutes to 3 hours. The costs are inclusive of equipment, an experienced instructor, transportation to launch point, and complimentary video. Paragliding costs in the town are the same for visitors of all age groups.
Is Bir Billing paragliding safe?
Yes, Bir Billing paragliding is safe for visitors of all ages and experience levels. The town matches international standards for paragliding safety, with operators ensuring the use of state-of-the art equipment. The instructors are experienced professionals who follow strict safety rules when accompanying you for the experience. Bir is also great for the sport due to its calm and favourable weather conditions, especially from March to May and September to November.
What to buy in Bir Billing?
Tibetan handicrafts are the most popular products to buy in Bir Billing Himachal Pradesh. The main market at Bir Road is known for its high-quality woollens and traditional clothing like Himachali caps and handcrafted souvenirs. You can also shop for food items like snacks and pickles as well as local fruit juices from this market.
What to eat in Bir Billing?
The hill town of Bir Billing is known for its diverse Tibetan and Himalayan delicacies which can be found at restaurants and street stalls. The best Tibetan food can be found at Tibetan Colony, where you must try the Momos. As for Himachali cuisine, Siddu is a must-try during your visit to Bir. Other popular local delicacies include vegetable-based dishes like Patande, Chouk, Bhagjery, Til Chutney, Aloo Palda, and Auriya Kaddu.
What are the places to stay in Bir Billing?
The popular Bir Billing resorts include Hotel La Maison and Garden View Hotel, both of which lie close to the Bir landing site. For affordable trips, stay at hotels and guest houses like the Stupa Guest House and the Hidden Tribe. These accommodations are close to important locations like the Bir landing site or the city centre, which makes local exploration easier.
Where to do trekking in Bir Billing?
Bir Billing is a popular trekking destination as it is home to the highest peak in the region. Numerous treks like the Tattapani Trek and Hanumangarh Trek start from Bir Billing and take you across the stunning mountains and valleys here. This activity is suited for beginners as well as experienced trekkers as it provides an easy-to-moderate level adventure. The most popular trail is from Bir to Billing, which is ten kilometres long and lined with rhododendron forests.
What are the best places near Bir Billing?
The best places to visit around the town during Bir Billing stay include the ancient Baijnath Temple, Tashi Jong Monastery, and Chamunda Devi Temple. Apart from these pilgrimage sites, you can also explore the Chowgan Tea Gardens and visit the Tsering Jong Monastery nearby. The trek routes of Hanumangarh, Tatta Paani, and Raj Gundha are incredibly popular as well.
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