Bir Billing or India’s premier paragliding destination is quite a favourite! This mountain getaway offers you lush greenery in the summer months and specs of snow in winter. A hub of Buddhism it is blessed with multiple monasteries that allow you to ease your senses and find the peace you seek. And, at the same time it is lined with trekking trails, waterfalls, camping and paragliding to tickle your adventurous bone! Looking to head to this gem? We’ll tell you how!
Nearest Airports: Gaggal Airport or Kangra Airport (also referred by many as the Dharamshala airport on account of it being only 12 kms from the hill station) is the nearest airport, however, it isn’t connected to a lot of other major cities airports so you may not always find a direct flight here and may have to opt for connecting flights. The other options are of two major city airports, Chandigarh and Delhi which will allow you to get a direct flight from most parts of the country and then connect via road to Bir Billing.
Road Distance And Travel Time:
Gaggal Airport – 68 kms, 2 hours
Chandigarh Airport – 290 kms, 8 hours
Delhi Airport – 533 kms, 13 hours
Best Time To Visit: March to May, September to November
How To Reach Bir Billing
Places Of Interest:
When in Bir Billing, there’s lots for you to do! Such as:

  • Paragliding – Of course, you cannot visit Bir Billing and not do paragliding. So, make sure to pick your month accordingly so that the weather is favourable in order for you to take flight.
  • Bir to Billing Trek – Why just take a jeep till the paragliding jump site when you can trek up to it? The first time I visited Bir my friend and I hiked through dense forest areas alongside river Ull to make it to the top. We camped out that night and voila, woke up at the crack of dawn to do paragliding at the sunrise hour! Warning: the trek is infested with a fair share of leeches and does not see a lot of trekkers, so, make sure to get a local to guide you on this one.
  • Rajgundha Valley Trek – Now if trekking has piqued your interest why just trek within Bir when you can even visit its friendly neighbour Barot? The Rajgundha trek has you passing through rickety bridges, catching glimpses of a bustling river, befriending a few local villages and making camp at a mountain valley at night.
  • Monasteries – After you’ve had your fair share of adventure, head to the quaint and charming monasteries of Bir. From Chokling to Sherabling these monasteries allow you to acquaint yourself with Buddhism, meditate and get a touch of tranquility.
  • Cycle – Yes, that’s right! Your childhood’s favourite activity is all set for you to rent out a cycle and meander through Bir and its greens.
  • Cafe Hopping – Bir has the cutest, most colourful and cosy cafes that serve delicious food, so, let the foodie in you hop from one to the other while you lounge about with a book.

Bir Billing Group Trip
How To Reach:
Flights
Depending on whether you’re more comfortable with longer road travel and lesser time spent on connecting flights or the other way around, you can opt for flights between Gaggal Airport, Chandigarh Airport and Delhi Airport. Costs from different regions will also play a factor into booking these flights. So, amongst these options you can simply choose one of your convenience.
Train
While Ahju at a distance of just 3 kms is the nearest narrow gauge station, it isn’t the best connected to other parts of the country. So, if you’re planning to take a train your best bet is to take one till Pathankot which is 113 kms away. From there you can travel by bus to reach Bir Billing. If you cannot find a bus till Bir, take one till Mandi and from there change to one for Bir.
Road
You can find volvo buses to Bir Billing from Chandigarh and Delhi. When you cannot find a direct bus to Bir take one till Mandi and then switch from there till Bir.
Paragliding Bir Billing
Bir Billing is where travellers can find a bit of everything, be it adventure or serenity, nature or new friends, good food or lush greenery. So, if you’re thinking of visiting Bir, don’t think, just go!
We are headed to Bir Billing this April. If you’d like to come along, just drop us a message and get in touch for the mad trip planned! 🙂