Paragliding In Bir Billing

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time to do paragliding in Bir Billing?

   Paragliding in Bir Billing can be enjoyed between September and June. During the months of November and December, beautiful snow-covered landscapes can be enjoyed while paragliding. Paragliding is closed during the months of July and August due to the monsoon season.

2. How safe is paragliding? Do I need a license?

   Paragliding involves element of risk to some extent, and it is as safe as you make it. Obeying all the instructions sincerely, keeping the right attitude and preparedness, and using good quality helmet are vital to make your flight safe. It is also recommended to get your equipment checked before taking a flight to ensure safety. Weather conditions also play an important role in ascertaining how safe it is to paraglide at a given point of time. And, if you are using your own equipment, make sure it is in a good condition and you get the wing checked once in a while. What increases the safety aspect of paragliding is that the pilot has full control over the flight and can abort it whenever required. You do not need a license to paraglide in India but the pilot who joins you on the flight needs one. However, in case you are paragliding using your own equipment, you need a license and permission from the concerned authority.

3. Where we take-off? And how is landing done?

   Billing, located at a height of 2500 meters is the take-off site for paragliding in Bir Billing. Since wind plays a major role in paragliding, you need extremely smooth winds during landing. Moreover, the landing site must be smooth so as to minimize the probability of accidents during the landing. Bir is the landing site and qualifies for a safe landing site owing to its smooth ground and low wind intensity.

4. What should I wear while doing paragliding?

   Preferably, you should wear warm but light clothes for easy body movement during the glide, with a wind sheet covering them. Avoid wearing heavy garments while paragliding so as to avoid any hindrance during intense activity during the sport.

5. Is there any age and weight limit for paragliding?

   Though there is no age limit for paragliding, if you are under 18, you are not allowed to fly without your parents. As to the weight, you can enjoy paragliding as long as you do not weigh over 120 kg.

6. How do I get my photos of Bir-Billing?

   The service for getting your photographs and videos is available in Bir Billing. You can get photographs and videos of your Bir Billing paragliding experience by paying some additional charges to the activity organizers.

7. Where I have to deposit my luggage while paragliding?

   It is recommended that you leave your luggage at your accommodation or vehicle but just in case you did not, activity organizers have arrangements to keep your luggage safe since you cannot glide with it.

8. Is there any possibility to have a female pilot?

   Unfortunately, there are female pilots available for Bir Billing paragliding.

9. Which type of shoes should I wear while doing paragliding?

   A good pair of shoes is vital to a smooth paragliding experience. Though when you are up in the air, it does not matter what kind of shoes you’re wearing, you need a good grip on the ground while taking off and while landing. So, wearing a pair of good trainers is advised.

10. If in any emergency will I be provided with a first aid box?

    Yes, the activity organizers normally have measures in place for any mishaps and have first aid kits with them. Yet, it is recommended that you carry your own first aid kit whenever you are travelling just to be on the safer side.

11. What happens if the wind stops? Do I fall?

    No, you will not fall if the wind stops because paragliders can be flown even when there is no wind at all. Relative wind over the wings acts against the gravity and is responsible for the flight. So, there is no risk of falling down since you will just glide down in any case.

12. How is paragliding different from hang gliding?

    Though paragliding and hang gliding share some similarities as they fly on the same principles, there are a few characteristics making them different from each other. They differ in terms of maximum speed, shape and design – hang gliders have higher maximum speed. Also, paragliding is more convenient to carry and can be learnt faster as compared to hang gliding.

13. Is paragliding suitable for people with vertigo?

    It is not recommended for a person suffering from vertigo to indulge in an activity like paragliding since you literally fly high in the sky while paragliding, looking down at the ground thousands of feet below. However, you can consult a doctor and go ahead with the experience if the doctor says you are good to go.

14. How long can I stay up?

    While paragliding you can stay up for about 15-30 minutes, depending upon the weather conditions. If the weather conditions are favourable, you may stay up for up to 30 minutes, and if they are not favourable, you may have to settle for a 15 minutes glide.