Kangra-Dharamshala · Dhauladhar Circuit
Bir Billing
About
Bir Billing is one of the world's premier paragliding sites, hosting the Paragliding World Cup and drawing pilots from over 50 countries. The Billing launch site (2,400 m) provides ideal thermal conditions for cross-country flights, with landings in the Chowgan field of Bir town. Beyond paragliding, Bir is home to a significant Tibetan refugee community, multiple Buddhist monasteries, the renowned Deer Park Institute for traditional learning, and a laid-back village atmosphere that attracts spiritual seekers and adventure travellers in equal measure.
Highlights
- starTandem paragliding from Billing (2,400 m) to Chowgan landing (~3,000 ft drop)
- starWorld Paragliding Championship launch site
- starBir Tibetan Colony — monasteries, momo restaurants, Tibetan handicrafts
- starDeer Park Institute — courses in philosophy, art, ecology
- starSherab Ling Monastery — major Kagyu school monastery
- starGunehar village — creative arts community
Nearby Attractions
Dharamshala
75 kmFull cultural and trekking destination
Billing
14 km (road)Paragliding launch site
Palampur
36 kmTea gardens and Neugal Cafe
Gallery
Local Experiences
- exploreTandem paragliding flight — 15–20 min above Himalayan ridges
- exploreSolo cross-country paragliding (licensed pilots)
- exploreMeditation and philosophy retreats at Deer Park Institute
- exploreMountain biking on trails around Bir
- exploreExploring the Tibetan Colony on foot — freshest momos in HP
Food & Drink
- restaurantTibetan Colony cafes — momos, thukpa, butter tea
- restaurantIlliterati offshoot cafe in Bir — coffee and light meals
- restaurantChowgan landing field chai stalls
Where to Stay
- hotelParagliding camps and hostels in Bir (₹600–1,500/night)
- hotelGlamping tents near Chowgan (₹2,500/night)
- hotelGuesthouses in Tibetan Colony (₹800–1,800/night)
Travel Tips
- lightbulbBook tandem flights with certified APPI/BHPA pilots only
- lightbulbOctober and March–April are best for paragliding thermals
- lightbulbBilling road is steep and rough — carry motion sickness medication
- lightbulbTandem flights suspended during monsoon (Jul–Sep)
- lightbulbBest deals on equipment rentals from local paragliding schools
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Nearby
Quick Info
terrain
Altitude
1,525 m (Bir) / 2,400 m (Billing launch site)
calendar_month
Best Season
Mar–Jun & Oct–Nov
flight_takeoff
Nearest Airport
Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, 67 km
directions_car
From Delhi
~510 km | 11–13 hrs via Chandigarh–Mandi–Joginder Nagar
timelapse
Trip Duration
2–4 days
directions_carBook Cab to Bir Billing
Multi-stop journeys supported