Bir Billing

Bir Billing is the paragliding area of the Kangra valley. It is made up of two places. Billing is a meadow at around 2,400 m where pilots take off. Bir is a village at about 1,525 m where they land. It is widely known as the paragliding capital of India and has hosted international competitions, including the 2015 Paragliding World Cup. Tandem flights for first-timers last around 15 to 30 minutes. Experienced pilots fly long distances across country. Besides flying, Bir has a Tibetan colony with the Chokling and Palpung Sherabling monasteries. It also has forest trails and a busy cafe and co-working scene. The flying seasons are March to June and October to November. The monsoon grounds most flights, and winter is cold, so spring and autumn work best. Wind can cancel flights at short notice, so keep a spare day in your plan. You reach the area by road from Baijnath, Palampur or Dharamshala. Three days is a good length for flights, monasteries and some slow time in the cafes.