BIRBILLING- Paragliding paradise around Dhauladhar mountain range in Himachal Paradesh

Tripoto
18th Nov 2015
Photo of Bir Billing Paragliding, Bir, Himachal Pradesh, India by Mandeep
Photo of Bir Billing Paragliding, Bir, Himachal Pradesh, India by Mandeep

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F_va5OkSv8

Photo of Bir Billing Paragliding, Bir, Himachal Pradesh, India by Mandeep

In November 2015, me along with some of my friends decided to head towards Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh for some adventure. Billing is at the altitude of 2400 meter from sea level and considered as best paragliding take off point in the world. This paragliding heaven is surrounded by Dhauladhar mountain range and known for hang gliding and paragliding. In fact, it is Asia's most preferred site for paragliding and even had privilege of hosting the Paragliding World Cup in India in October 2015. As a result of World Cup, the village “Bir” – landing site has now got good road connectivity and infrastructure. Many Western style cafés have mushroomed in and around the village that are always jam-packed with the foreign travelers.

It took us around two and half hours from Kangra Airport to reach at the flying spot, Billing. It was the perfect location, with gliders flying around the Dhauladhar mountain range. After enjoying the scenic beauty and courageous gliders flying around, we also decided to take this thrilling ride. Things to note here - you cannot go on a solo ride if you are not a trained para-glider so I went ahead with the pilot option. Initially, I was very nervous of course, but as it took off slowly it turned out to be the most fascinating time of my life.

I loved and cherished every bit of this 20 minute ride, so do my friends. In short, it was an experience of a life time - Fabulously Amazing on top of the World!!!

Birbilling facts for gliding freaks:

• Distance from Kangra Airport: Approx. 62 km (2.5 hour journey via taxi), which is connected to Delhi with daily flights

• Trek Length: About 14 km steep short cut trek from Bir to Billing

• Approx. Glide cost – INR2000-INR4000

• Best Time to Visit: March to May before the monsoon & September to November