Paragliding in Bir Billing, Himachal Price, Time & Package
Adventurers, take note! Do you long for an experience that will leave you speechless because you’re sick of the same old thing? You need look no farther than India’s paragliding capital, Bir. Imagine taking in the breathtaking Himalayan peaks as you soar through the skies, the wind blowing in your face. Curious? Do you want to turn this dream into a reality? Find out how to set out on the journey of a lifetime in Bir by reading on!
About Bir – The famous twin villages of Bir and Billing
In the charming Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, the hamlets of Bir and Billing are connected and only 15 km apart. At 1525 meters, Bir is renowned for its historic Tibetan monasteries, and at 2400 meters, Billing is where paragliding enthusiasts take off. Tea gardens, verdant forests, and stunning views of the Dhauladhar mountain range envelop the villages.
See Places to visit in Bir Billing
History of Bir Billing paragliding
French pilots invented hang gliding in the 1980s after determining that “Bir Billing” was the most advantageous flying condition. Because pilots must carry heavy metal frames and a canopy to the 14-kilometer uphill paragliding take-off point, hang gliding is extremely challenging at that time. Not all pilots could carry because there was no road to Billing at the time, so porters and mules were required.
In the early 1990s, Bruce Mills, a New Zealand pilot who was well-known in the Bir Billing valley, introduced paragliding to Bir Billing, which began drawing many pilots to give it a try. Later, it gains popularity among Bir residents, and they begin paragliding. Beginning in the year 2000, Bir Billing introduced tandem paragliding, which is a paragliding flight in which two people (one as a pilot and the other as a tourist) fly together. This activity brought jobs and commercial activity to the locals of Bir.
Currently, Bir Billing employs over 200 tandem paragliding pilots, of whom approximately 100 hold licenses from Himachal Tourism. Pilots from 130 countries competed in the 2015 Paragliding World Cup, which was held in Bir Billing. The World Paragliding Cup has increased commercial flying and made paragliding a popular sport in India. India and the rest of the world have come to love Bir Billing as a paragliding destination.
Why is Paragliding in Bir so popular?
Perfect air currents
The air currents in Bir are strong and steady, especially the “thermals” that can carry paragliders up to 4,500 meters. It is the perfect place for paragliding, both recreationally and competitively, because of these currents. Bir is an ideal place for cross-country paragliding because of the steady winds and favorable cloud base, which enable pilots to fly farther and accomplish longer flights.
Ideal take-off and landing sites
With safety measures in place, there is plenty of room for takeoff and landing in Bir’s open valleys. The Billing take-off site is a popular option for paragliding events and competitions because it can quickly accommodate up to 40–45 gliders. Large expanses of open space with safety precautions and rescue capabilities make up the equally impressive landing site at Bir.
Favorable weather conditions
Bir is a paraglider’s dream come true with year-round pleasant weather. The paragliding season offers ideal flying conditions due to its mild temperatures and clear skies. Gliders can easily travel 20–30 km even on less-than-ideal days, and on good days, they can fly up to 100 km. With chances for hiking, trekking, and camping, the climate also makes it a delightful place for outdoor enthusiasts.
Experienced instructors and top-notch infrastructure
With years of experience and an emphasis on safety, Bir is home to some of the top paragliding instructors in the nation. These instructors put their students’ health first while making sure they receive the right technique training. Bir boasts top-notch paragliding facilities, including well-maintained gear, medical services, and ongoing rescue and evacuation efforts. Local clubs and the Billing Paragliding Association put forth a lot of effort to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.
Best time for paragliding in bir billing
The experience of paragliding in December and January is unique because all of the surrounding mountains are covered in snow, including Billing. The majority of tourists choose this time of year to camp and go paragliding in Bir Billing Valley.
However, October through November and mid-December are the ideal times to go paragliding for extended periods of time. For lengthy flights, mid-February to mid-April is also ideal. Flights for the remaining months can be taken, but the weather must be checked before departure.
The ideal season or time to go paragliding All year long, with the exception of the monsoon, paragliding is feasible. Early July through late September is monsoon season here. Paragliding in Bir Billing is prohibited during the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September and is marked by extremely heavy rainfall. Bir Billing is situated in the foothills of the Himalayan Dhauladhar mountain range, which offers year-round breathtaking weather.
Paragliding costs in Bir Billing
The duration and type of flying determine the cost of paragliding in Bir. You should budget about ₹3,500 for a 15–20 minute tandem flight. Additional fees may apply for longer flights and paragliding stunts. In order to provide a full adventure experience, many operators also provide packages that include paragliding, trekking, and camping.
Bir paragliding schools / operators
Numerous respectable paragliding schools and operators with tandem flights, solo courses, and equipment rental are located in Bir. Several noteworthy operators are as follows:
- Billing Paragliding Association
- Bir Billing Paragliding Club
- Skyventures Paragliding
- Temple Pilots Paragliding
- Paravolution Paragliding
These operators put safety first, use skilled pilots, and provide a variety of paragliding experiences to accommodate varying tastes and skill levels. For those who want to pursue solo paragliding, they also offer thorough training programs with courses that progress students from novice to certified pilot.
Essential Equipments required for paragliding in Bir Billing
Those who want to take solo paragliding courses will need to purchase their own equipment, even though the majority of operators supply the gear required for tandem flights. Among the necessary tools are:
- Paraglider wing
- Harness
- Reserve parachute
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Sturdy shoes
- Variometer
- Radio
Depending on your needs and skill level, your paragliding instructor or school will help you choose the right gear. Purchasing top-notch, well-maintained equipment is essential to ensuring your enjoyment and safety when flying.