Bir – Billing

The Himachal Pradeshi district of Kangra contains the tiny town of Bir. In addition to being a popular paragliding location, Bir Billing is also a popular meditation village in the Joginder Nagar valley. Because of the Tibetan community’s residence in this town, Tibetan culture has an influence here.

Bir is regarded as one of the world’s top paragliding locations. The total height shift is around 800 meters, with Billing serving as the takeoff and Bir as the landing sites. The area is full of charming cafes that provide delectable food. In addition, visitors can enjoy day trips to the tea plantations, short treks, trips to the monasteries, and rides on the adjacent Jogindernagar-Pathankot Narrow Gauge railroad. Additionally, Bir is a significant hub for meditation and spiritual studies.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Bir is open from March to May and from late September to November over two distinct seasons. The greatest times to go paragliding in Bir are during these months.
The months of April through June have nice summers. Given the weather, it is also the ideal time to visit Bir. Winters are severe, with lows below zero, and the monsoons bring light to moderate rainfall and the possibility of landslides. Bir Billing, at five thousand feet, is truly one of the most beautiful sites in the north, practically touching the clouds.

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Bir, ideally by midday, and rest. You can visit Bir Bazaar, the city’s central market, in the evening to purchase locally made trinkets and fascinating items to wonder at and bring back home. Bir Tea Factory, a well-liked location, is not too far away.
Day 2: If you’re up for the adventure, you should ideally start your journey on the second day. The village of Billing, where paragliding is practiced, is located 14 km from Bir. Following that, you might go to the calm monastery in Choklin.

ATTRACTIONS

Chokling Monastery: The Chokling Monastery is the most well-known Tibetan monastery in Bir. It has white paint and is located in the center of the Tibetan Colony. The monastery is made richer by the other vivid colors. It also features a stupa and a statue of Padmasambhava. The monastery boasts unobstructed views of the Alps and is located one kilometer from the Bir Landing Site. The paragliders flying by are visible. With its vibrant flags, verdant lawns, and calm atmosphere, it’s a destination worth visiting.

Bangoru Waterfall: From Bir, there are other neighboring waterfalls that may be reached via short hike or trekking. The Tibetan Colony is located 4.5 kilometers away from the Bangoru Waterfall. The hike is not too difficult. The settlement of Gunehar is directly across from the waterfall. You can ask the locals for instructions or turn on your GPS. This location is great for picnics and is not as well-known to tourists. The waterfall is made more beautiful by the milky white waters that trickle between the rocks.

Sherablling Monastery: Within the Bhatu forest, the Monastery occupies three acres of land. The walk leading to the monastery is lined with pine trees and vibrant flags that billow in the breeze. The Buddhist temples, stupas, and gompas that make up Sherablling Monastery. Here, one can periodically receive instruction in philosophy and meditation.

Where to Stay

Bir Billing is a well-developed town with lots of hotels, but if you want to experience some local cuisine and culture, you should also choose camping or home stays.

HOW TO REACH

By Flight

The Kangra Airport, located in nearby Palampur and roughly 68 kilometers distant, is the closest airport to Bir. This airport is connected to Delhi with frequent flights.

By Train

Bir cannot be reached by train. Ahju Railway Station is the closest train station to Bir. It is only 4.7 kilometers from Bir. To go to Ahju railway station, take the Jhelum Express from Delhi. It takes almost 20 hours to get there.

By Road

The approximate distance in kilometers between Delhi and Bir is 489. From Delhi’s Kashmere Gate, you can board an overnight private bus to Bir, which will arrive in 11 to 12 hours.