Things To Do In Bir Billing- Complete Travel Guide

Bir Billing in the beautiful Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh is considered a paradise both for adventure as well as nature lovers. Known majorly as the paragliding capital of India, it offers a plethora of activities that will get your heart racing and your spirit soaring. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in the mountains, Bir Billing should be at the top of your list. In this blog post, we are going to discuss how to have a productive time while you are in this beautiful place.

How to Reach Bir Billing

• By Air

The nearest airport to Bir is Kangra Airport (Gaggal), which is 67 kilometers from Bir. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to reach Bir. This scenic drive will set the tone for your journey from there.

• By Train

The nearest major railway station is at Pathankot, which is 90 kilometers from Bir. Taxis and buses are readily available from Pathankot to Bir. The train journey through the hills is rather soothing.

• By Road

Bir is also well connected by road. You can come to Bir by bus from the major cities of Delhi, Chandigarh, or Dharamshala. This too becomes a journey in itself, winding through the beautiful valleys and hills.

Where to Stay

Bir has a lot of accommodations ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Here are a few suggestions:

• Hostels: If you're a backpacker or a budget traveler, the hostels Zostel Bir or The Lost Tribe might be good options as they appear to have a lively atmosphere with the possibility of meeting other travelers as well.

• Guesthouses: Many guest houses have a pleasant stay coupled with local hospitality. You can give places like Paragliding Bir or The Himalayan Village a try.

• Luxury Resorts: To splurge a little more, you can opt for resorts such as Taragarh Palace or The Heritage Hotel.

Things to Do in Bir Billing

1. Paragliding

Paragliding is the number one activity to do in Bir Billing. The scintillatingly stunning views of the Dhauladhar range and the lush green valleys dotted with patches of paddy cultivation make paragliding an experience of a lifetime. Here's how to extract every ounce of fun from this activity:

Many of the operators present in Bir can help book a paragliding experience. Most offer tandem flights, where you are flown with an experienced pilot. Prices usually range from ?2,500 to ?4,500 depending on the length of your flight and who is flying it.

Best flying time in Bir is during March - June, September - November when the weather is clear and stable.

Safety Precautions: Ensure that the pilot takes all safety measures. Listen to your pilot before takeoff for clear instructions.

2. Trekking

Bir has a breathtaking landscape with ample trekking trails. Some of the popular treks are mentioned below:

You can trek to Bir from Billing, as the moderate trek takes four to five hours, but offers great views of the valleys and distant mountains. You may camp in Billing before returning.

• Triund Trek: The good scenic beauty about this day trek from McLeodGanj is that it has excitable words to it. Although not directly in Bir, it makes it a great addition if you are spending time in that area.

• Gunehar Waterfall Trek: A trek of about 3 kilometers will take you to the Gunehar Waterfall. Not too hard to walk along, it gets you a refreshing dip in the natural pool.

3. Experience Tibetan Culture

Birtha is home to a large Tibetan population and if culture is to be seen it will be an experience here. Here's how:

• Monasteries: The most attractions in Bir are the monasteries, like Chokling Monastery and Sherab Ling Monastery. Both these places are beautiful and peaceful and can be visited to learn about Tibetan Buddhism.

• Tibetan Handicrafts: Explore the local markets for Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, and all other traditional clothing. Good souvenirs!

• Cultural Festivals: If you get lucky and happen to be in Bir during a festival, you should not miss the colorful celebrations. The Tibetan New Year (Losar) is at its most colorful.
  
  

4. Mountain Biking

Mountain biking can be an excellent adrenaline-pumping way to explore the rugged landscape around Bir. You can rent a mountain bike from local shops and go off on your own or get in touch with local tour operators who will be able to take you on a guided tour. Some suggestions:

• Right Bike: The mountain bike is convenient to ride on the rugged trails.

• Safety Gear: Helmet and other safety equipment should be worn on the bicycle.

• Popular Trails: Some of the most popular biking trails are the paths leading to Billing, around the surrounding villages. There are a number of rides into the villages themselves too.

5. Camping

Camp under the stars with a camping experience in the Himalayas. One can camp at any of the various campsites near Bir or even book oneself into a camping package. Here's what to keep in your mind:

• Campsite: Make Sure You Pick the Right One. Popular campsites are Billing and the forest areas around Gunehar.

• Pack Essentials: Sleeping bags, camping gears, food supplies. Some campsites even offer meals in the package.

• Respect Nature: Be careful to employ Leave No Trace principles so that we leave the environment clean and pristine.

6. Visit nearby attractions

If there is an hour or two, take some time to visit the following attractions nearby:

• Billing: This has a paragliding take-off point and provides marvellous views of the landscape. Great for just a day's visit.

• Palampur: It is known for its tea estates and is 30 km from Bir and makes for a good day trip.

• Baijnath Temple: This is a very old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is about 16 km from Bir. This would be a very good visit for history and culture lovers.

Tips for Your Adventure in Bir Billing

1. Pack Smart

One never knows when the climate might go haywire in Bir, so one needs to pack accordingly. Here is what you should have with you :

• Layered Clothing: You may experience highs and lows, so to speak; therefore, layer up for better comfort.

• Good Shoes. Provided you are trekking, biking, or anything that requires good footwear, make sure the shoes are appropriate for the activities.

• Sunblock and Shades: Do protect your skin and eyes from the sun, at least when paragliding or biking around.

2. Hydration

The adventure can be quite strenuous. Stay hydrated. Have a reusable bottle of water and refill as you go along.

3. Respect for Local Culture

Observe the local culture and tradition. Make sure you ask permission before you take pictures of a person or their property.

4. Go Green

Be a responsible tourist. It is not going to be easy for Bir to stay close to nature if you don't do your part in keeping it that way. This includes proper disposal of your trash, aversion to single-use plastics, and support to sustainable local businesses.

Conclusion

Bir Billing is just a treasure full of adventure, also having a lot related to culture and nature. When it's about searing through the skies paragliding, trek through lush forest or exploring Tibetan rich culture, Bir Billing offers a bit of everything. If you plan your trip well and are conscious of the environment and the local culture, you will always cherish those few moments.

Also Read:- Culture of Himachal Pradesh