Sailing in the skies with a paraglider is one of the most exhilarating experiences one can ever have. But it's not just that what makes paragliding a highly sought-after adventure sport! It's the rush of cool winds and the views from up top that make Paragliding a unique experience. When it comes to paragliding in India, there is no other place that even comes close to Bir- Billing. The mesmerizing valley, lush green mountains and the beautiful backdrop of clear blue skies pull enthusiasts not just from India, but all around the world to Bir.
The paragliding capital of India, Bir is a tourist village located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Bir-Billing is much more than the second highest paragliding point in the world - it is also home to a large Tibetan refugee settlement, Buddhist monasteries and a thriving tourist culture.
Thanks to the good connectivity, getting here is fairly easy despite the mode of transport you prefer. Bir is merely 68 km away from the Gaggal airport that connects the region to New Delhi with daily flights. The nearest railway station is Baijnath Paprola, which is around 15 km away while the roads are well-connected to North India. Pick What You Like Unless you are a licensed paraglider, Tandem flying with an experienced instructor is the way to go! There are multiple flying options available here, categorized according to the duration of the flight. The most common ones are 15-20, 20-30 and 30-45 minutes of air-time (the time after take-off and before landing). You can also pick longer durations, according to your preference and budget.
The cost of paragliding depends upon the duration. However, the minimum package of 15- 20 minutes starts with INR 3000 per person. This does not only include the flight, but also a Go-Pro based video recording of the flight, insurance and the transfer to & from the take off point to the hotel/meeting points.
The government of Himachal Pradesh maintains check mechanisms on paragliding activities in the region. There are considerable safety and security regulations in place to prevent accidents of any sort. Moreover, the private operators have come together to form an association that acts as a regulating body for all service providers in the region. Needless to say, paragliding here is as safe as it can get!
While paragliding is theoretically possible all-around the year in Bir, the best period is Sep- June. In the monsoons, the area experiences heavy rainfall, making it impossible to fly. It is also worth noting that paragliding depends on weather conditions, which is why local operators keep a close watch on predictions and act accordingly.