Have you ever wondered about a bird’s perception of the world view? It feels exciting, swaying with the winds, and flying across mountains. Bir Billing! This destination serves as a gateway to that dream of yours. It gives you wings and lets you explore the serene landscapes of nature. Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Bir Billing paragliding is an unparalleled and unforgettable experience.
Thus, this guide comprises every detail regarding a paragliding trip to Bir Billing, exploring why it is a famous destination for this adventurous activity, the best time you can go there, and essential tips for beginner paragliders.
Table of Contents
Key Reasons Why Bir Billing is Famous for Paragliding in India
Here are the key reasons why Bir Billing is famous for paragliding in India:
- Flying Conditions: The weather conditions in Bir Billing are optimal for flying. Due to consistent thermals and steady winds, the paragliders can take off without any natural hindrance. Additionally, in summers, the skies are clearer with minimal rain, which further contributes to successful flights.
- Asia’s Highest Take Off Point: Billing is recognised as Asia’s highest peak. It is located at 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level. This height is ideal for vertical drops and provides smooth slopes for take-off and landing.
- Exceptional Infrastructure: At Bir Billing, the infrastructure for the best paragliding in India is exceptionally good. The operators and instructors are highly recognised and certified by institutions like the National Paragliding Institute. They operate with high-quality equipment and gear to ensure paragliders’ safety and make the whole experience memorable.
- Hosted Major Events: Bir Billing has gained worldwide recognition due to the hosting of the Paragliding World Cup in 2015. It successfully hosted the paragliding games and became a significant location for aspiring paragliders, enthusiasts, and tourists.
- Budget-Friendly: The Bir Billing paragliding sport offers a panoramic experience at an affordable price range. It offers budget flights ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹12,000, plus, depending on the duration.
- Adventure Hub: Bir Billing hosts more than paragliding; you can choose from several Bir Billing adventure sports, including hiking, mountain biking, and trekking, and get the ultimate adventurous package.
How the Weather in Bir Billing Plays Its Role
Billing, the take-off location, is located at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level, followed by the landing area, Bir Chougan, which is at 1,350 meters. At this height, it is crucial that winds flow continuously, skies stay, and thermals form consistently. Here is how all of these participate in making Bir Billing paragliding exciting:
- The sun heats up the winds rising upwards from the mountain slopes, producing thermals (warm winds) perfect for take-offs and longer flights.
- In the summer season, the winds keep flowing, thermals stay active due to clear skies and consistent sunlight, gathering all the ideal conditions.
- Billing is at the height of 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level, which is automatically perfect for beginner to advanced take-offs.
Travel and Adventure Guide to Bir Billing
How to Reach Bir Billing
- By Air: You can take a direct flight to Kangra (Gaggal) Airport from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, if travelling from Delhi. From Kangra Airport, book a taxi or take a bus ride of around 68 km to Bir. Another route includes taking a connecting flight to Chandigarh Airport, then proceeding by taxi or bus to Bir.
- By Road: National Highway 154 and NH3 seamlessly connect Bir Billing with major Indian states and cities, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot and Manali.
- By Railway: The nearby Una Himachal Railway Station from Bir is situated 125 km away from Bir. From Una, you can hire a taxi or take a bus ride to cover the remaining 3 to 4-hour journey.
The Do’s and Don’ts Before/During/After Paragliding
The Do’s and Don’ts for paragliding in Bir Billing are as follows:
- Before Flight: Check weather conditions, wear appropriate gear and listen to the instructor, eat light meals only, avoid beverages and meals in large amounts, verify your equipment, and only hire authorised instructors.
- During Flight: Listen to the instructor, try to stay calm and relaxed, follow instructions carefully, do not panic, don’t make sudden movements and interrupt equipment, don’t focus too much on photos and videography, don’t tease, interrupt, or try to get close to eagles and hawks flying nearby, and enjoy the moment.
- After Flight: Don’t act like an expert after a few flights, stay harnessed until the instructor takes it off you, eat light foods only, relax for a moment and don’t start jumping just after landing, and reflect on how you felt during the flight, because that moment will stay with you forever.
Price Range and Eligibility for Paragliding in Bir Billing
The price range for Bir Billing paragliding is divided according to the time you prefer spending at flight. Here is a breakdown:
- For Short Duration Flight: 15 to 20 minutes at ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per person
- Medium Duration Flight: 20 to 30 minutes at ₹3,500 to ₹4,500 per person
- Long Duration Flight: 30 to 60 minutes at ₹5,000 to ₹6,500 per person
- For Longer Flights: 60 to 120 minutes at ₹12,000 per person
Weight Limit for Bir Billing Paragliding
Everyone is eligible for paragliding in Bir Billing, as long as they meet specific weight requirements. They include:
- Minimum Weight: 20 to 25 kg
- Maximum Weight: 90 to 95 kg
- Minimum Age: 12 to 14 years
- Maximum Age: 40 to 65 (with no critical health conditions)
Tips for Beginners for Bir Billing Paragliding
If you are a newbie and want to achieve the perfect paragliding in Bir Billing, be mindful of these points:
- Make sure that you plan your trip during the summer or shoulder seasons to avoid harsh and unpredictable weather conditions.
- When the instructor starts briefing about the paragliding safety measures, dos and don’ts during the flight, listen carefully.
- Make sure that your gear and equipment are sturdy and tied closely. Whether it is torso, harness, or rotor head helmets.
- Inform your pilot in advance about any critical medical conditions. Whether related to the heart, back, or vertigo.
- Ensure that you stay calm during the flight and eat light snacks from nearby hotels or cafes in Bir Billing.
- Wear clothes that are well-layered and avoid loose clothes and scarves.
- Secure your smartphone, camera or other accessories in zipped pockets.
- Mostly overlooked, you will be required to run to take off. So, prepare yourself mentally, do warm-ups and get ready for a smooth and injury-free take off.
Best Time to Visit Bir Billing
In the summer season, from March to June, the weather conditions stay stable and ideal for paragliding in Bir Billing. About other seasons, including the shoulder months, July to October, thermal winds stay active with warm weather. Also, avoid visiting Bir Billing during the monsoon and winter seasons, as the winds can become aggressive, inactive due to rainfall, and cold, respectively.
Conclusion
Bir Billing paragliding is an adrenaline-spiking and unique experience to immerse in. As it reveals a distinctive view of nature and mountains, it allows you to live to the fullest and explore what adventures offer. With this Bir Billing travel guide, you can plan a perfect paragliding roadmap to make your experience memorable. From why Bir Billing is famous for paragliding in India, to the best time to visit and how you can make this an unforgettable trip, every aspect is covered.
Rudra Adventures offers paragliding experiences in Bir Billing. With extensive experience in paragliding, we assure you of our professional and expert instructors to make paragliding safe and adventurous for you. Our services extend to professional paragliding courses for tourists and travellers. From giving extensive knowledge to in-person experience, we take care of everything. Therefore, you can trust us and book your paragliding service or course with us.
