INTRODUCTION:
Bir is a small town in northern Himachal Pradesh, situated against the Indian Himalayan Dhauladhar range. The location is well-known in the travel sector for paragliding.
The launch location is located at an elevation of 2400 metres in the Billing meadow, 18 kilometres north of Bir. The paragliders land in Chowgan, on Bir’s southern outskirts. As a result, the names of the two places are conjugated as Bir Billing.
Bir Billing is also known for its unique Tibetan culture and spiritual Tibetan monasteries, which are nestled in a gorgeous and tranquil location.
Best things to do in Bir Billing
1.Paragliding
This is, without a doubt, Bir Billing’s most popular attraction for thrill seekers. Beginners can take tandem flights while certified pilots can bring their own gliders and fly solo.
The tourist simply relaxes and enjoys the bird’s eye view of the land below while the glider is flown by a pilot. In Bir Billing, there are several paragliding operators, and the prices vary depending on the duration of the ride and bargains.
A 20-25 minute flight would cost approximately INR 2500. Operators can also rent out their GoPro cameras for a fee. This is a must-do transaction if the tourist does not have his own. September to November is the flying season. The town also hosts international events on a regular basis.
2.Indulge in other Adventure Sports
At Temple Run Adventure, Bir Billing also offers bungee jumping, rock climbing, and the Burma Bridge. Bangoru waterfall is a modest yet magnificent waterfall located about 5 kilometres from Bir.
This is where the adventure sports company is situated. Mountain biking and hang gliding are also popular among tourists. Bicycles can be rented from agencies and businesses in Bir Bazar. The tourists are also accompanied by skilled riders.
Tourists prefer peaceful stroll along the banks of the Bir River to muscle-stretching adventure sports. The tranquillity of the experience soothes the soul of each traveller seeking peace and tranquillity.
3.Volunteer at the Dharmalaya Institute
Dharmalaya Institute is a non-profit dedicated to education, service, and compassionate living, with a concentration on sustainable village development, contemplative service-learning, and immersive ecotourism. The institute hosts meditation and work retreats that provide students and volunteers with long-term opportunity to participate in organic farming, green job skills training for local villagers, and a tree-planting project, among other activities.
4. Go for Trekking
Tattani and the Hanuman Garh trek are two excellent options for trekkers.
Tatwani Thermal Springs
Tattani (also known as Tattapani) is notable for its natural hot sulphur spring, which may reach temperatures of up to 65°C. The location should not be confused with Tattapani in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
The water has rehabilitative characteristics and provides relief to people suffering from joint pain or skin diseases. The location is not only ideal for fun and relaxation, but it is also religiously sanctified. On Baisakhi day (April), holy dips are taken in honour of the great agricultural celebration. The journey to Tattani starts in the village of Bari. There are two good hikes available.
The views from Hanuman Garh of the Dhauladhar range are breathtaking. However, the journey commencing in Billing is long and not suggested for beginners.
Waterfall of Bangoru
The Bangoru Waterfall, located 4.5 kilometres from the Tibetan Colony, is also worth visiting. The journey to this waterfall is rather straightforward, heading to Gunehar Village. The beautiful setting makes for fantastic photos that you may share on social media.
5.Camping at Billing
Even if a tourist isn’t interested in paragliding, the take-off point provides unique sunset views. The sky turns various shades of orange and pink, and the mountains in the background provide a breathtaking backdrop.
Billing is also the beginning point for the Rajgundha Trek, and various campgrounds have been put up for anyone interested in camping for the night. Here, a large number of people will be preparing for their tandem flight.
Honestly, watching people run and take off from the summit is rather enjoyable.
When is the best time to visit Bir?
Bir is best visited in the summer because it is a highland station. The climate in Bir is generally cool all year. However, the greatest time to visit is during the summer months, from April through June. Because of the cold temperature, visiting the hill station in the winter is not recommended. Monsoons should also be avoided because they can trigger landslides.
How do you get to Bir?
By Air:
Due to the lack of a direct connection to Bir, passengers must fly to Kangra-Gaggal Airport, which connects the national capital with Himachal Pradesh. The airport is 12 kilometres from Dharamshala and 14 kilometres from Kangra Railway Station. This airport is around 68 kilometres from Bir.
By Road:
The Dhauladhar ranges rise majestically over the roads going to Bir. Bir is easily accessible from anyplace in India thanks to several national highways that connect it to nearby cities. Dharamshala, Palampur, and Delhi all have luxury overnight bus services to Bir. Tourists can also take a rest in Baijnath, where buses to upper Bir run frequently.
By Rail:
While the nearest train station, Ahju Railway Station, is 3 kilometres from Bir, it is not well connected to other cities in the country. As a result, Pathankot is the closest fully operational station to Bir. For the 143 kilometre drive from Pathankot to Bir, one can take a taxi. By Rail: While the nearest train station, Ahju Railway Station, is 3 kilometres from Bir, it is not well connected to other cities in the country. As a result, Pathankot is the closest fully operational station to Bir. For the 143 kilometre drive from Pathankot to Bir, one can take a taxi.
