Overview

Bir Billing is said to be the heart of Paragliding in India and this is the main reason why most people visit there. If a person has not done paragliding ever, Bir Billing paragliding can be the most memorable trip for them. Flying  through the skies over the beautiful mountain peaks for the first time is an experience that a person will cherish forever, no matter how many times a person experiences  it again. The launch site of bir billing paragliding  is at an elevation of  7874 ft( 2400 meters). Bir Billing paragliding take-off point is Asia’s highest and world’s second highest. A person does  not need to have  any kind of prior  experience for Bir Billing paragliding. Rides offered here are available for experienced fliers (for solo ride) as well as for first-timers (for ride with an instructor). 

The Duration of a flight can vary between 20 to 60 minutes and the cost of the flight will range in between  Rs. 2500 to Rs. 6000. This price purely depends upon how long a person’s flight was and how well a person was  able to negotiate with the operator. There is a lot of competition among operators there so if you are good at bargaining, you can definitely get your flight at lower cost. Different forms of paragliding that are offered at Bir Billing are tandem to solo , paragliding to hang gliding and parasailing. 

As a beginner , you will of course go for a joint  ride where you will be accompanied by your instructor.

The instructor will be navigating the chute and you will just be taking pictures and enjoying the ride.If a person is interested in flying solo in Bir Billing paragliding, he will have to take a short duration flying course which is offered there by many operators. These courses last for about 2 to 3 weeks after which a person will get his certification and will also be allowed to take a solo flight. Bir Billing is considered to be one of the safest place for Paragliding.Various National and International Paragliding Championships have been held in Bir Billing. Also one has to make sure that they are gliding with an experienced Instructor and the equipment they are using is not too old.

Why To Visit Bir Billing Paragliding?

There are various reasons why Bir Billing paragliding is considered as one of the top sites for paragliding in India. The topography, weather and wind conditions of the area makes wind sailing a  delightful experience and it can be done for a longer duration there. Since bir billing has evolved into a paragliding base, there are various companies and instructors which a person can choose for himself as the instructors who are very much experienced there. This is also one of the reasons  that makes paragliding in Bir Billing a bit safer than other places. The takeoff site in Bir Billing paragliding is incredibly smooth and has got favorable winds for a perfect and easy takeoff.

How To Reach Bir Billing:-

By Air:-

Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala is the nearest airport to Bir Billing , which is about 70 km away from Bir Billing. From there, you can take a taxi or get a car to reach Bir Billing.

By Train:-

Pathankot Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Bir Billing, which is about 120 km away from Bir Billing. From there, you can take a taxi or get a car to reach Bir Billing.

By Bus:-

The bus services from cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh and Dharamshala to Bir Billing are regular. One can also hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Bir Billing from the above mentioned cities.

It is highly recommended to plan a trip in advance and make transport arrangements before going there , as Bir Billing is a remote location and public transport options may be limited in bir billing. 

Weight Limit For Bir Billing Paragliding:-

For paragliding in Bir Billing,a person should not weigh more than 120 kg.

When To Visit Bir Billing Paragliding:-

The best months for paragliding in bir billing are March to June. If a person misses these months,he can retry in October and November. Paragliding is open in winter months also  but most of the times,the road to Bir Billing may get blocked due to snowfall in winters. 

Few Tips For Bir Billing Paragliding:-

• Just stay calm and be mentally prepared.
• You should go for tandem flights in case you are a beginner.
• You should follow all the safety instructions properly. 
• Before the flight,a person should eat light food. 
• You should wear light clothes.
• There is no age limit for paragliding but kids below 18 are advised to travel with their parents.