Just went for a Day - 3 months in a Himalayan Hamlet. #VisitAgain

Starting on the note that my initial plan was to just stay a day in Bir, Himachal Pradesh, and now this here is the series of events which led to a 3 month long stay in the mighty yet pretty Himalayas.

While you're at it, check out my instagram too: @its_mr_sharma_to_you

So yeah, where was i? Yes, the Himalayas. I had had enough of that boring college routine. I was just waiting for my mids to finish so that i can have some time for myself. The moment they were over, I packed my sack and hopped on a bus to Bir, a rather popluar destination among adrenaline seekers as it is one of the best paragliding sites on the globe. I booked my stay at @thehostellerBir. A very nice property at a very nice location. Plus you'll know you're in Bir, when you look up and see the sky full of colorful gliders.

I met up with the best people and we planned to go to Billing, i.e. the place where it all happens. Well, actually, the hostel desk did all the planning and bookings for us, such nice people :).

So, Billing is 14 km uphill from Bir. The 30 minute ride till there is included in the cost of your booking, if you book from Bir, though they charge an extra fee for gopro recording.

Once you reach Billing, your tandem hooks you up with a 'chute and all you have to do is run and take a leap of faith off this cliff. If everything goes well, you're airborne in no time. After literally falling down the sky for 15-20 minutes(more if you get friendly with the tandem xD) with some intense acrobatics, you're at the landing point. Also remember to keep your feet up while landing("uche kar paanv!!!").

The moment we touched down, without further ado, we had some food back at the hostel, which was damn good btw, and then we went to a stroll down the town road. Guys at hosteller suggested visiting monasteries around, so monasteries it was.

We chose to go to the biggest one here, The Palpung Sherabling Monasteric Seat and we took the one less travelled hike to get there.

Though the hike is a hoot and a half, it is a tad confusing, as it seems that you hit dead ends, but once you start seeing that one big extremely noticeable golden stupa, you'll know you're going the right way.

After losing our way multiple times we reached the grand monastery and entered through it's backdoor. First thing we witnessed was young monks enjoying a game of soccer.

Sherabling monastery boasts a massive area. I mean it when i say massive. It is kind of a university for studies in Tibetan Buddhism and it's ways. It has classrooms, international students, a big dean building and all sorts of temples and stupas.

The monastery is indeed a true example of peculiar yet beautiful Tibetan architecture. The details they go to, only to emboss their stories on every wall, every beam, every pillar, eventually leaving a lot to learn for forthcoming ages.

Then what, we took a cab back to town. Yes, there's also a full fledged road leading to the monastery. And finally our tiring day ends with a relaxing view of the sunset from the landing site, which is a must see, and food at one of many good cafes in Bir. This place is like a disneyland for foodies as it has many good, themed, authentic cafes and places to eat, which I'll come back to later, where I'll cover such points about Bir.

So, this was only the Day 1 of my long long self declared break. That's it for Bir, FOR NOW ;), as i embark on a journey to the hippie village of Dharamkot, also known as Tel Aviv of India.