For many years, paragliding in India has not been a preferred adventure. However, in recent years, paragliding has witnessed a tremendous surge as one of the most popular choices among adventure enthusiasts. It allows individuals to fulfill their fantasy of flying.
Bir Billing, a small village in Himachal Pradesh comes across as the best site to indulge in a paragliding experience. Paragliding in Bir Billing is popular due to the place’s favorable climate conditions, breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, and more. If you are wondering about the best time to experience paragliding, this blog will unfold everything you need to know about Bir Billing paragliding, including when to visit for the ultimate adventure.
Table of Contents
What Exactly is Paragliding?
If you know about gliding, paragliding is basically gliding with wings attached to your jump. It uses a special wing made of nylon that grows and is shaped like an aerofoil (like a pair of wings). Paragliders are small, portable aircraft that can be folded and carried in a backpack.
Paragliding is one of the most affordable and easy types of flying. It uses natural air currents to keep you in the sky. Usually, a person takes off from the top of a hill, but sometimes a winch is used to tow them up into the air, just like in sailplanes. The flight is highly controlled, exciting, and safe if you obey the safety rules adequately.
When To Visit Bir Billing For Paragliding?
The experience of Bir Billing paragliding changes throughout the year. In December and January, the mountains are covered in snow and even Billing experiences snowfall. Many travelers visit during this time for camping and paragliding.
While paragliding is possible all year except during the monsoon, the best time is from October to June. The monsoon lasts from early July to late September, with heavy rainfall that makes paragliding unsafe during those months. Bir Billing’s location in the foothills of the Dhauladhar mountains ensures good weather for flying most of the year, but the best times for long flights are in October, November, and March to June.
Why Go For Paragliding At Bir Billing?
Bir Billing is famous for hosting the first-ever World Cup of paragliding. The location’s altitude and climate make it ideal for flying sports. Here is why Bir Billing is one of the top spots for paragliding in the world:
1. Perfect Takeoff And Landing Sites
For takeoff, you need calm winds. Bir Billing take-off site has very smooth and favorable winds which makes the takeoff easy. Landing areas are also designed to minimize accidents, with plenty of help available if needed. The landing areas for paragliding at Bir Billing have all such facilities.
2. Suitable Air Currents
Bir Billing has excellent weather for paragliding. During May and June, the air currents can reach speeds of 6 to 12 meters per second which helps a flyer reach heights of up to 5000 meters. Even in the spring, the air currents can be between 4-8 meters per second. On average, Bir Billing’s thermals are around 5 meters per second which makes it one of the best places to fly.
3. High Cloud Base
The cloud base, which refers to the height of the clouds above the ground is important for flying. Higher cloud bases allow for higher flights. In Bir Billing, the cloud base is between 4000-6000 meters which makes it perfect for paragliding.
Things To know About Paragliding in Bir Billing
Here are some essential things that need to be kept in mind before you do paragliding at Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh.
- You must be at least 12 years old to paraglide.
- Paragliding is not recommended for pregnant women.
- People who have had major heart surgery or have other health problems like back pain or joint issues should avoid paragliding. Make sure to inform the pilot if you have any health concerns.
- There are weight limits for paragliding that vary with the season. From October to December and February to April, the weight limit is between 25 and 90 kg. From January, May, and June, it is between 30 and 90 kg. If your weight exceeds 90 kg, a larger glider may be used, depending on your fitness and wind conditions.
- Those with a fear of heights or anxiety disorders should not paraglide.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs before paragliding.
- Do not eat heavy meals before flying.
- The drive to the paragliding takeoff point is 45 minutes along a hilly road.
- Do not carry any items with you while paragliding. There’s no place to hang things, and carrying items could be dangerous. It’s better to store valuables like your wallet and phone in a zipped pocket or give them to the pilot.
How to Reach Bir Billing for Paragliding:
Here is how you can reach Bir Billing:
- By Bus: The nearest bus station is in Baijnath is about 12 km from Bir. Buses run daily from Delhi and Chandigarh.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is in Pathankot which is about 100 km from Bir. Regular trains are available from Delhi and other major cities.
Paragliding Costs in Bir Billing:
Paragliding Price in Bir Billing depends on the type of flight. A standard tandem flight (where you fly with an instructor) starts at INR 1,500 for a 15-20 minute flight. Some operators offer paragliding along with trekking and camping packages that start from INR 5,500. If you want to take a course that lasts up to 9 days, then the paragliding cost per person will be around INR 9,900.
Conclusion
Bir Billing paragliding is one of the must-try adventures that one should surely experience in their lifetime at least once. From the breathtaking views of the Himalayas to the thrill of high skies, Bir Billing offers exceptional experiences. Even if you are a beginner, there are numerous options for all levels. However, it would still be advised to get in touch with a reputable paragliding agency to ensure the utmost safety.
At Rudra Adventures, we are dedicated to offering thrilling and safe paragliding experiences to all adventure lovers. With a skilled team of instructors and appropriate safety regulations, we make sure to deliver a memorable paragliding experience.Also, our reasonable paragliding packages allow you to be part of this adventure without spending much.
