Bir, a little village in Himachal Pradesh that is also regarded as the paragliding capital of India, is tucked away among the beautiful natural bounty. The village adds more sparkles and jitters to Himachal’s natural beauty because it is such a spotless location. At a height of 5,000 feet, Bir Billing is surrounded by peaceful surroundings, snow-capped peaks, and beautiful temples. The Deer Park Institute, a center for Indian traditional wisdom supported by the Dalai Lama, is located in this area, which is also home to a Tibetan colony. This institution broadens your knowledge of traditions.
Not only is Bir Billing beautiful to look at, but it is also famous for thrilling activities like hand gliding, paragliding, mountain biking, and trekking that will give you the rush of adrenaline you’ve been craving. Bir won’t let you down if you’re seeking for a holiday that will unleash your inner explorer. Visit the Bir Road market to satisfy your shopping urges, take a leisurely stroll along the lake, spend some time at the Himalayan Film School, discover the cafes that serve delectable local Tibetan cuisine, and take in the calming scene as the sun sets in the sky gleaming with various hues. Bir has something to offer everyone.
Suitable time to visit:
From April to June, Bir’s summer season, when the snow melts and the weather is nice, transforms this lovely area into heaven. This is the finest period for paragliding, drawing crowds of travelers from around the world. The monsoon rains magnify Bir Billing’s splendor and make the area’s flora and animals grow, transforming it into heaven. The season is ideal if you want to explore Bir and engage in activities other than paragliding because of the light to heavy showers that make it an off-season for paragliding.
As snow begins to fall in the upper regions, burying it in an ice layer 5 to 6 feet thick, the temperature drops to below zero from December through March. If you want to go on a winter journey, you can go to Bir during this time, but be sure you are ready.
Geographical Location of Bir Billing:
Bir is located in the district of Kangra, in the tehsil (administrative subdivision) of Baijnath, in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Bir is geographically located in the Joginder Nagar Valley, in the Dhauladhar Range, in the Indian Himalayan foothills.
Prominent attractions:
An eco-campus for service learning and contemplative practice is the Dharmalaya Institute[8]. Dharmalaya is an Indian nonprofit organization (NGO) that is “dedicated to education, service, and compassionate living. A practical focus is on sustainable village development, contemplative service-learning, and immersion ecotourism. Because they occasionally restrict guests to silent retreats and special programs. Visitors must contact them via the website before their visit.
The monastery of Neten Chokling Rinpoche, a reincarnate lama in the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and the creator of the movie Milarepa is famous as Chokling Gompa (2006). Also, the main draws for casual visitors are the elaborate stupa and Tibetan architecture. Moreover, The monastery occasionally offers public Buddhist ceremonies in addition to its continuing programs for its full-time monk pupils. On-site amenities include a restaurant and guest accommodation.
Long-standing Bir cooperative, the Bir Tea Factory, gives tours to those who are curious about the making of tea.
The apple of the eye- Paragliding
Paragliding enthusiasts from all over the world and Indians alike frequent the Bir-Billing region. [10] With some flying in November, the flying season is in September and October. Also, international tournaments and activities are held in the village.
The landing area and the most of the tourist lodgings are in the village of Chowgan (sometimes spelled Chaugan), which is on the southern edge of Bir. Moreover, the paragliding launch location is located in the meadow at Billing (14 km north of Bir), at an elevation of 2400 metres.
Transportation:
Train: Three kilometers away lies the narrow-gauge Ahju railway station. The broad gauge station in Pathankot, Punjab, which connects to important Indian cities, is located around 112 kilometers distant.
Air: The distance to Kangra Airport is 67 km. New Delhi Airport is 520 kilometres and Chandigarh Airport 152 kilometres apart.
Road: Almost halfway between Baijnath and Jogindernagar. Bir Billing is on N H20 (now NH 154), which is the Bir Road turnoff, which is visible with signs. Also, it is located around a two to three hours drive (50 km/31 mi) southeast of Dharamshala. Moreover, It is located 14 kilometers south of Billing, which is on the route to Bara Bhangal’s Thamsar Pass.
Features of Camping and Paragliding in Bir Billing
- Camp out with your loved ones in a quirky village in Bir for the ideal holiday.
- Investigate the hilly area encircled by majestic mountains, luscious meadows, etc.
- Go paragliding in Bir Billing, because it is the second-best paragliding location in the world.
- Play a variety of games at the campsite, including ludo and chess.
- Also, enjoy a cozy bonfire session with some light music in the evening under the starry sky.
I must say this place is heaven and after such a description, I can’t hold myself back from visiting this wonder.
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