Bir is a village in Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, at 1,400 m; Billing is its takeoff site at 2,400 m on the Dhauladhar ridge above. Together, they form the world's second-highest paragliding site and Asia's premier cross-country flying destination, also known for Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, organic tea gardens, and the ancient Baijnath Temple nearby.
Bir Billing
Asia's Paragliding Capital — Launch at 2,400 m, Land in the Tea-Garden Valley
A Glimpse into History
Origins – Tibetan Refugee Settlement
Bir was established as a Tibetan refugee colony in the 1960s following the mass exodus from Tibet. The community built Shekar Gompa monastery around which the Tibetan quarter of Bir developed. The village's peaceful character and clean mountain air attracted meditators and retreat-seekers through the 1980s.
Evolution – Paragliding Discovery (1980s)
European paragliders first identified Billing's thermal conditions in the mid-1980s. The 13 km cross-country glide from Billing (2,400 m) to Bir's landing field offers consistent thermals from March to June and September to November. The HP government formalised the site for international competition in the 1990s.
Modern Era – World Paragliding Championship
Bir Billing hosted the Paragliding World Cup in 2015, drawing 200 pilots from 35 countries — a watershed moment that placed it on the global adventure sports map. Today it is one of India's fastest-growing eco-tourism destinations, with boutique camps and an active volunteer conservation community.
Significance
Billing's takeoff site at 2,400 m provides a 13 km glide path with an altitude gain potential of 1,000 m+ on strong thermal days. The Tibetan colony in Bir houses Shekar Gompa (Sakya monastery), Palpung Shedrup Ling monastery, and a thriving handcraft community. The ancient Baijnath Shiva temple (12th century) is 5 km from Bir — one of Himachal's most significant heritage sites.
Festivals & Events
Bir Billing Paragliding World Cup (October)
The international paragliding competition held in October draws 100–200 elite pilots when thermals are at their strongest and most predictable. The event runs over 7–10 days with task flying from Billing and landing at Bir — open to spectators with no entry charge.
Losar at Shekar Gompa (Feb–Mar)
The Tibetan New Year (Losar) celebrations at Bir's Shekar Gompa include Cham mask dances, butter lamp ceremonies, and community feasting open to visitors. A quieter and more intimate celebration than McLeod Ganj due to Bir's smaller scale.
Did You Know?
Bir–Billing is the second highest paragliding site in the world (Billing at 2,400 m), after Interlaken, Switzerland. On strong thermal days, experienced cross-country pilots can fly over 60 km from Billing through the Dhauladhar ridge corridor — one of the longest recorded paragliding flights in Asia was completed here in 2016 at over 80 km distance.
Travel Guide
How to Reach
By Air: Gaggal / Kangra Airport (DHM) is 67 km from Bir — taxi from airport ~₹1,200–1,500 (~2 hrs); Chandigarh Airport (IXC) ~183 km, ~4 hrs by road.
By Train: Ahju / Baijnath Paprola (BPR) on the Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge is just 3 km from Bir — scenic heritage rail ride; Pathankot broad-gauge (PTK) is 105 km for the main rail gateway.
By Road: Bir is 67 km from Dharamshala via NH154 and local mountain roads (~2 hrs); 183 km from Chandigarh (~5 hrs); HRTC buses from Pathankot to Baijnath run regularly and stop near Bir village.
Best Time to Visit
Mar–May (Spring Thermals): Peak paragliding window — thermals build strongly by 11 AM; clear visibility. Sep–Nov (Autumn): World Cup season — October is the international competition month with best pilot weather. Dec–Feb: Cold, few thermals, but Losar festival and monastery visits are excellent. Jun–Aug: Monsoon — flights suspended; Bir village lush and quiet but paragliding halted.
Local Attractions
Billing Takeoff Site (~14 km, 2,400 m): Drive up from Bir for tandem or solo paragliding — views of Kangra Valley and Dhauladhar are breathtaking.
Baijnath Temple (~5 km): 12th-century Shiva temple with exceptional carved stone panels — one of Himachal's finest examples of Pratihara architecture.
Shekar Gompa (in Bir): Active Tibetan Sakya monastery — attend morning chanting sessions (7–8 AM, open to visitors).
Dharamshala (~67 km): HPCA stadium, Tibet Museum, and McLeod Ganj — easy day-return drive via NH154.
Tips for Visitors
Book tandem paragliding with operators certified by BHPA or PPC India — avoid unregistered "walk-up" operators at Billing citing lower prices for identical risk.
Flights launch from Billing between 10 AM and 2 PM — thermals are strongest midday; morning flights are smoother but offer less altitude gain.
Take the Kangra Valley narrow-gauge toy train from Pathankot to Baijnath Paprola for the scenic approach to Bir — one of Himachal's most enjoyable heritage journeys.
Request an action camera mount from your tandem pilot for a helmet-cam recording — most operators provide GoPro rental for ₹300–500 for the full flight footage.
Location Map
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