Paragliding at Bir - Billing

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Paragliding at Bir Billing
A favorite activity of Vayu Kutir visitors is Paragliding at Bir Billing, which is 100 kms - around 3 hrs by road or Kangra valley heritage railway - from Vayu Kutir.

A school along the road short of Palampur


The journey is scenic via Kangra, Palampur, & Baijnath - three of the most beautiful Kangra valley towns. There are several scenic spots along the way, including a colorful school short of Palampur (above) and a hydel project past Baijnath (below).

A hydel power project past Baijnath
Bir, the landing point for gliders, is in Kangra district close to the border with Mandi districts..  Those not up to the thrill of a soaring in the sky like an eagle for 20-30 min can vicariously enjoy the activity watching gliders land at Bir.

Bir and the surrounding valley in Mandi and Kangra districts

If you are up to the thrill, you can book a glider ride for Rs 2,500/-. A pickup vehicle will drive you to Billing the launch point of the gliders. The 45 mi drive up 1000 ft is a thrill by itself!

A view of Bir while driving up to Billing

There are several launch points at Billing. The view of Bir and the valley below is exhilarating. 

The view of the valley below from the launch point at Billing

Typically, you see more children and young women taking rides than men. Just sayin...

A glider taking to wind at Billing
Children taking a ride have to be accompanied by an adult so that the two seater paraglider has enough all up weight for adequate control. 

Children have to be accompanied by an adult.

You are kitted with helmet, bum cushion and most importantly a GoPro camera on a selfie stick!


The selfie stick can be a great stress buster for those uncomfortable with heights. I don't know if that was the case with joy rider below. If you are enthusiastic enough, your pilot can keep you in the air for 30 mins.

Putting the selfie stick to good use.

Longer flights lasting 2-3 hrs are possible if the weather conditions are favorable. The pilot can take you to Dharamshala and back but the costs go up to around Rs 10,000/-


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