Things to do in Bir Billing
A world-class paragliding site above a small Tibetan village of monasteries and slow cafés.
Billing is the take-off, a grassy shoulder at about 2,290 m. Bir is the village 700 m below, where flights land. Together they are one of the best-known paragliding sites in the world, with long cross-country flights possible along the Dhauladhar.
Bir is also a centre of Tibetan Buddhism, with monasteries like Chokling and Sherab Ling nearby, and has become a home for writers, meditators and remote workers.
Things to do in Bir Billing
- Tandem paragliding: 15–30 minutes from Billing to Bir with a certified pilot.
- Chokling Monastery: In the heart of the Tibetan colony.
- Sherab Ling: Large monastery in the pine forest at Bhattu.
- Bir tea gardens: Easy walks with paragliders overhead.
- Deer Park Institute: Talks and courses on Indian philosophy.
How to reach Bir Billing
Gaggal Airport (68 km, about 2 hours). Pathankot station (140 km). The toy train stops at Ahju, a few km below Bir.
Best time to visit Bir Billing
October–November and March–May for flying. Paragliding is closed in the monsoon (roughly mid-July to mid-September).
Where to stay
Guesthouses and boutique stays near the landing site and in the Tibetan colony.
Bir Billing: questions
Is Bir Billing good for non-flyers?
Yes. The monasteries, tea gardens and cafés make it a lovely two-day stop even without a flight.
Can beginners do paragliding in Bir?
Yes, as a tandem passenger with a certified pilot. No experience needed.
Nearby
See it with a local
Himachal Honeymoon
Kangra → McLeodganj → Palampur → Bir → Manali → Sissu
Plan your Bir Billing trip
Tell us your dates. We will suggest how many days, where to stay and how to get around.