A Beginner's Guide to Paragliding in Bir Billing
Bored of a monotonous life? Badly in need of a change? Come, take to the skies in Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh, where adventure knows no limits!
Paragliding is the king of adventure sports. It has a rich history. India is quickly developing into a popular location for paragliders to spread their wings.
Though India is comparatively new in the development of the sport, it has some stellar locations, one of which is Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh. Paragliding in Bir Billing attracts both Indian and international tourists every year.
Bir Billing also hosted India’s first-ever Paragliding World Cup Championship, held by the Bir Billing Paragliding Association.
Did you know? Bir Billing is the world’s second-highest paragliding site, at approximately 5000 feet above ground level.
Table of Contents:
About the location, Bir Billing:
Nestled in the picturesque hills of northern India, Bir is a small village in Himachal Pradesh. Founded as a sanctuary for Tibetan refugees in the 1960s, the Buddhist influence can be keenly felt in the village's architecture. It is located in the district of Kangra, in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayan mountains.
Did you know? Paragliding in Bir Billing is so popular that it is known as the "paragliding capital of India."
The hilly landscape of Bir Billing has helped it to develop into the chosen paragliding capital of India. After hosting the Paragliding World Cup in 2015, this rural community benefited from a worldwide boom in paragliding and tourism. Relatively affordable paragliding Bir Billing price has also helped.
Over 140 paragliders in the community have contributed to establishing Bir Billing as India’s top paragliding location, recognized by the Paragliding World Cup Association (PWCA).
Why is Paragliding in Bir Billing so Popular?
Let's see that through a video itself!
Air currents to help you fly like a bird
Paragliding depends on the strength, direction, and stability of air currents that help carry the paraglider through the air. Bir Billing is blessed with such currents, especially hot air currents or "thermals" that thrust the paraglider up at the height of 4,500 meters.
Suitable landing and take-off sites
An open stretch of the valley with solid winds at takeoff helps around 40–45 gliders take off at Bir Billing within a short period of time. Similarly, there are vast spaces for landing equipped with safety precautions.
Amazing climate
Paragliding at Bir Billing is enhanced by its pleasant climate that supports paragliding all year round. Even on a bad day, one can quickly fly up to 20–30 km; on good days, around 100 km can be covered.
Ideal cloud base
Bir Billing is blessed with a favorable cloud base, or the altitude of the lowest layers of clouds, allowing gliders to attain greater heights easily. The cloud base of Bir Billing is generally 4000-6000 meters above sea level.
Experienced instructors
Bir Billing's paragliding instructors are proud of their ability to use proper techniques while keeping safety the top priority. With years of experience in the sport, one can find some of the country’s best paragliding trainers stationed at Bir Billing.
Competitive paragliding
The favorable winds and open valleys encourage paragliding in Bir Billing as a recreational and competitive sport - cross-country paragliding.
Top-notch infrastructure
If concerns about quality and safety are on your mind, rest assured that paragliding in Bir Billing is a safe and controlled activity. With world-class infrastructure, medical facilities, active rescue and evacuation operations, and safety training.
Cost of Paragliding in Bir Billing
The cost of paragliding in Bir Billing depends on the type of flying and other inclusions. For a regular tandem flying experience that lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
Many operators also offer packages that include paragliding, trekking, and camping. For those interested in longer courses that may last multiple days, you can choose the courses as per your skills.
Tandem Paragliding Cost (Most common): The standard price is ₹3,000 for a 20-30 min flight. It might increase if you choose to fly for more time and are interested in paragliding stunts.
Solo Paragliding/Paragliding courses (Most fun): Does the thought of flying solo and being in the air alone excites you? Then this option is for you. The prices are mentioned along with details of the Operators in the blog. You can find more details about the courses here.
Bir Billing Paragliding Schools/Operators
Location link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wtupZq2FkjnUo2tv8 Cost of courses: Level P1 and P2 - ₹30,000. Level P3 - ₹30,000. Level P4 – ₹35,000. Contact number: +91 8894900102
Paragliding Billing is one of the most reputed schools for paragliding in Bir Billing. Known for training officers of the Indian Army in paragliding, they offer high-quality paragliding lessons to gliders of all age groups.
A highly trained and experienced ‘Flying Squad’ of paragliding pilots oversees the entire operation and ensures maximum safety during flying.
2) Skylark School of Paragliding (Recommended)
Location link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yVHg3GuKXgLC7fe28
Cost of courses: P1 and P2 course – ₹20,000 P3 course - ₹25,000
Contact numbers: +91-9882875337, +91-9780080020, +91-7018229407.
Skylark School of Paragliding is the creation of a lifelong adventure-sports lover, Manu Bedi. I have taken my training from Skylark School to vouch for their safety standards and quality of training.
With over 12 years of experience training with some of the best flying instructors in the country, his hard work has culminated in a school that offers high-quality paragliding courses and an attractive tourist package to ensure safety and a memorable trip to Bir Billing.
They also have a guest house for accommodation at a very reasonable cost. You can stay there, cook your food, work from home (I mean Bir), and relax in the lap of nature.
Location link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kQofnpXXnXGUrN8WA
Cost of courses: P1 & P2 – ₹32,000 P1+P2+P3 – ₹48,000 Contact number: +91 9882297222
Travel Bir Billing is one of the most popular destinations to combine a memorable trip to the Himalayan village with paragliding. Arvind Paul, one of the country's most highly qualified and passionate paragliders, is its Chief Flying Instructor with years of experience in training paragliders.
Arvind has consistently participated in the Paragliding World Championships since 2006 and achieved Third place among Indian nationals in 2015 and 2013. In addition, he also emerged as the winner of the Himalayan Open Paragliding Championship in 2010.
Location link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oZC3NZNrBEi2QPDV8
Cost of courses: P1 – Rs. 15,000 P2 – Rs. 15,000
P3 – Rs. 30,000. Contact number: +919679499411
Founded by a pilot Umesh Sharma, it’s a prestigious school that offers paragliding lessons to beginners and experts all over the country. A team of dedicated and qualified pilots teaches their paragliding course in Bir Billing.
5) PG Gurukul
Location link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rDgSP71tSgFKy6g8A Cost of courses: P1 & P2 – Rs. 26,000 P3 – Rs. 24,000
Contact number: +91 98165 25205
On a mission to inspire and educate Indian paragliders, Gurpreet Dhindsa founded PG Gurukul in 2002. Besides teaching theory and practical lessons, it is the only paragliding school in India that offers an internationally-recognized IPPI certificate. They work closely with the Indian Army as well.
Paragliding Equipment required at Bir Billing:
Glider (provided by the school): A glider is the most fundamental piece of equipment required for paragliding. A suitable, strong paraglider with durable canvas must be selected.
Carabiner (provided by the school): It is a piece of metal equipment that attaches the glider to the harness or the seat of the paraglider.
Harness (provided by the school): The harness provides the paraglider with support to prevent falling and ensures a comfortable flight.
Helmet (provided by the school): A helmet protects your head from injuries.
Lines or ropes (provided by the school): solid and durable lines add extra support to the flight and ensure that the harness does not separate from the glider
Sunglasses with 100% UV protection: Since you'll be coming into contact with the sun at great heights, sunglasses help in clear vision.
Knapsack: Carry a day bag or knapsack for essentials such as water bottles, cameras, etc.
Sun Block: A sunscreen of SPF 30 and above is highly recommended to protect your skin.
Warm clothes: The mornings and evenings are cooler. Carry warm clothes and a windproof jacket.
ID Card and Passport-sized photographs: These documents are required for registration at the paragliding school.
Things To Do in Bir When Not Paragliding:
Besides paragliding, Bir Billing is a tourist spot visited by domestic and international tourists every year for its scenic natural beauty and the variety of sightseeing locations it provides.
1. Deer Park Institute: Learn about the classical Indian traditions of wisdom and philosophy. It was established in 2006 under the patronage of the Dalai Lama. Hosting sessions on meditation, art, Buddhist beliefs, and such areas surrounded by beautiful pagodas, the sessions aim to develop the mind holistically. A visit to Bir Billing is incomplete without visiting the Deer Park Institute.
Timings: 9 am -12 pm; 2 pm – 6 pm
2. Bir Tea Factory: Learn how rural women planted and made tea. In addition to admiring the natural beauty of the tea gardens, visitors can shop for freshly picked tea leaves and tea bags.
Visitors are welcome at any time.
3. Sunset view: Watch the sunrise and sunset at Bir Landing Site, an open stretch of meadow and valley offering picturesque, serene scenery that soothes the eyes. You can visit The Northern Cafe for a coffee and sunset view :)
4. Chokling Monastery: A visit to the magnificent Chokling Monastery is a must to soak in the Tibetan history and culture associated with Bir Billing. The most notable features are the ornate architecture and the statue of Padmasambhava. Situated close to the Landing Site, the Monastery offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills.
Timings - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
5. Dharmalaya Institute: Participate in sustainable village development at this campus, spreading environmental awareness by creating an eco-campus where daily sessions and activities are conducted to promote yoga and meditation.
Timings: Non-participants must register before visiting. Usually, guided tours are conducted every Saturday at noon.
FAQs
Q1: Can I learn paragliding in Bir Billing?
Ans: Absolutely! Bir Billing is known for being a perfect place to take paragliding lessons, as the weather is suitable and there are good spots for landing and takeoff.
Q2: What is the best time to go paragliding in Bir Billing?
Ans: Though paragliding in Bir Billing is conducted throughout the year, the ideal time to visit is between October and December to get calm winds.
Q3: How much does paragliding cost in Bir Billing?
Ans: The average cost per person for about 15-20 minutes of paragliding in Bir Billing is INR 3000. Longer flights and week-long courses cost more, starting from INR 5000.
Q4: What precautions should be taken while paragliding?
Ans: Precautions-
· Always be accompanied by a trained pilot.
· Check your equipment for flaws. Have them inspected regularly.
· Fly in clear weather.
· Assess the flying site before taking off.
Q5: What is the minimum weight for paragliding in Bir Billing?
Ans: The minimum weight ranges from 15 to 95 kg. If you weigh over 95 kg, but under 115 kg, you can fly only after paying an extra fee.
Q6: How to reach Bir Billing?
Ans: You can reach Bir by road, rail, and air. But Billing is accessible only by road.
Overnight bus from Delhi to Bir (most chosen option).
Train to the nearest broad gauge station at Pathankot (142 km away from Bir) or to Ahju railway station (3km away from Bir) through a toy train.
The nearest airport is at Dharamshala (67 km away from Bir).
