Bir Billing & the Dhauladhars
“Jump off a mountain. Land somewhere beautiful.”
Arjun Menon
@arjunrides
“The paragliding capital of Asia. But beyond the thermals there are Tibetan monasteries, tea gardens, and sunrise views that will permanently rearrange your brain.”
Arrival & Bir Village
Bir Colony (Tibetan Settlement)
Bir has a large Tibetan exile community. Walk through the settlement in the morning when monks are out, butter tea is being made, and prayer wheels are spinning.
Chokling Monastery
The main monastery in Bir. The sand mandala creation (when timed right) is a once-in-a-decade experience. Check dates before visiting.
✦ Creator's tip
The rooftop of the monastery at dusk with Dhauladhar peaks catching the last light is worth 30 minutes of patience.
Cafe 1947
Run by a young Tibetan couple. The yak cheese momos and apple cider are the best combo in Bir. Nomad-Instagram-worthy interior.
Paragliding Day
Billing (2,400m) — Launch Site
14km uphill from Bir. Shared taxi ₹120pp. The Billing meadow is a grassy plateau surrounded by Dhauladhar peaks — spectacular even without jumping.
✦ Creator's tip
Best thermals are 10am–12pm. Book with Nirvana Adventures or Himalayan Paragliding — avoid random touts at the launch site.
Paragliding Landing Field, Bir
22km tandem flight, 30-35 minutes in the air over the Kangra Valley and tea gardens. The highest tandem route in Asia. ₹2,500–3,500 depending on duration.
Post-flight Tea Stall
Right on the landing field. Masala chai and pakoras after the flight while you watch others come in. No better way to spend an afternoon.
Tea Gardens & Waterfall Trek
Palampur Tea Gardens
15km from Bir. Walk between the Himachal Pradesh tea garden rows in the morning when the dew is still on the leaves. Completely different feel from Darjeeling — less touristy.
Billing Waterfall Trek
3hr trek from Bir to a 60m waterfall through oak and rhododendron forest. Go with a local guide (₹400) — the trail is not marked.
Deer Hill View Point
Sunset here. The Dhauladhar turns pink-orange-purple in sequence over 45 minutes. Bring something warm.
Kangra Fort & Departure
Kangra Fort
One of the oldest forts in India — over 3,500 years old per records. The fort was destroyed by an 1905 earthquake but the ruins are massive and barely visited.
Kangra Devi Temple
One of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The morning aarti at 6am is crowded but electric. Gold-plated sanctum — leave footwear at the main gate.
Dharamsala Bus Stand
HRTC Volvo to Delhi overnight ₹700. Or catch the Himachal Express from Pathankot (30km) for an AC chair car to Delhi.
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