Popular site for paragliding
Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Bir is a rural village located in the west of Joginder Nagar Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. It’s the paragliding capital of India[1][2] and the location of the Bir Tibetan Colony, founded in the early 1960s as a settlement for Tibetan refugees after the 1959 Tibetan uprising.
Bir is noted for several Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and supportive centres of the Nyingma school, the Karma Kagyu school, and the Sakya school, located either in the town of Bir or nearby. A large stupa is also located in Bir. Ecotourism, spiritual studies, and meditation draws visitors.
Paragliding
The Bir-Billing area is a popular site for paragliding; both Indians and visitors come from all over the world.[10] The flying season is in September and October, with some flying in November. The village hosts international competitions and events.
The paragliding launch site is in the meadow at Billing (14 km north of Bir), at an elevation of 2400 meters,[10] while the landing site and most tourist accommodations are in the village of Chowgan (also spelled Chaugan), on the southern edge of Bir.
“Everything is possible. We’ll make your visit unforgettable.”
Transportation
How to Reach Bir
Train
Ahju railway station, a narrow-gauge railway, is 3 kilometres away. About 112 kilometres away is the broad gauge station at Pathankot, Punjab, which is connected to major cities in India.
Air
Kangra Airport is 67 kilometres away. Chandigarh Airport is 152 kilometres and New Delhi Airport is 520 kilometres away.
Road
Bir can be reached from the Bir Road turnoff (signposted) on NH 20 (now NH 154), approximately midway between Baijnath and Jogindernagar. It is approximately 50 km (31 mi) south-east of Dharamshala at a distance of two to three hours by road. It is 14 km south of Billing, which lies on the way to the Thamsar Pass leading to Bara Bhangal.