Paragliding in Bir-Billing, Himachal Pradesh

PARAGLIDING IN BIR-BILLING

Bir Billing is a Paragliding destination in the heart of Himalaya’s near famous tourist destination Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Bir Billing Hosted Paragliding World cup in 2015. This was “First Paragliding World Cup of India.”This event happened in the month of October from 24th to 31st, 2015.”
During world cup 150 top ranked paragliding pilots of all over the world participating along with 500 free flying pilots. This is a great opportunity for many local paragliding pilots to show their skills to world.
Bir-Billing provides the option of Paragliding, Trekking to Himachali tribal villages, Mountain Biking, Angling and Camping.

Bir Billing is located 70 kms from Dharamshala. Billing is situated in north of Bir at the distance of 14 kms on the way to the Thamsar Pass trek, which is leading to Bada Bhangal, tribal region of Himachal Pradesh. Bir is mainly a Buddhist town and houses a monastery and a Tibetan handicraft center.

If you are acquainted with the term gliding, paragliding is just about adding wings to your jump. It is a glide that uses an inflated wing (nylon canopy) of an aerofoil shape–just like any other pair of wings. Paragliders use highly portable aircrafts which can be folded enough to be carried in a rucksack.

One of the cheapest and most convenient flying styles, paragliding relies upon the pressure difference created by air currents to stay aloft. Usually, a flier takes off from the top of a hill. However, at times, a winch is used to tow a flier into the air– as sailplanes do. The flight is supremely controlled, extremely adventurous and completely safe provided one follows the safety guidelines.

Paragliding is special recreational adventure activity of flying Paraglider in air. Paragliding is very adventurous activity which require special skill to experience safe. Paragliding can be done solo and Tandem. Bir Billing is best spot for paragliding – aero-sport in India and 2nd best place for paragliding in world. Bir Billing is considered best and safest destination for paragliding in the world.

Solo paragliding flight.

In solo paragliding, pilot fly alone in paraglider. Pilot is specially trained to parasailing alone in the sky which requires training, technique and experience of many flying. Many solo paragliders fly at Bir-Billing regularly. To fly solo in paragliding require 12 to 15 days training after all paragliding courses.

Tandem paragliding.

In Tandem Paragliding, two people can fly in a single Paraglider. In this kind of flight, One is pilot who know paragliding flying technique and skilled in it and other fly just for joy ride. Tandem paragliding is mostly carried out with a trained pilot to make anyone flying in a Paraglider, who doesn’t know paragliding flying technique himself. In this adventure activity, anyone can fly with an experienced pilot. Paragliding Pilot knows all techniques of flying a Paraglider. The other person who is flying along with the pilot doesn’t have to do anything but to enjoy the thrilling experience. Both pilot and the other person connect their seat harness with each other and with Paraglider & fly over the gorgeous Bir Billing Valley. Bir-Billing is the best spot for Tandem Paragliding sessions in Himachal Pradesh, India. Normal paragliding flight is for 15 to 30 mins which includes take off from Billing at the altitude of 8000 feet from sea level and landing at Bir which is 4300 feet from sea level. Price of per flight is around Rs.2500/- including video of your flight. If there are good thermals, one can see the close view of snow covered Dhauladhar mountain range of Himalaya’s and the beautiful Kangra valley on the other side. Bir Billing is regarded as one of the best adventure sport destination by Indian as well as foreign enthusiasts and their reviews about the same often publish in top magazines.

How safe is Paragliding in Bir-Billing.

Paragliding is an adventurous activity. One enjoy it as much, as you fear from it. More the fear factor, more the thrill and more the adventure. As you are concerned about safety, this is your real and true worry, if you are flying first time here in Billing. Bir-Billing Paragliding is quite safe, pilots here are experienced in tandem flights (2 persons fly in one paraglider – one is pilot and other person is for joy ride). All the control and direction handled by pilot. Pilot flying with you have knowledge of air speed, altitude, clouds, wind, temperature and the route required for safe flight, you just enjoy the flight and he handle the rest. Pilots make sure all the safety measures during tandem paragliding flights like proper paragliding gears, flying pilots briefing, training time to time, wind examination, weather examination, thermals examination during periods of time. 

Bir-Billing is among top ten paragliding destinations in the world. Geographical and Climatic conditions here are favorable and best suited for parasailing and Paragliding. During paragliding flight most typical moment is take off, when you leave earth contact and start flying in sky. Bir-Billing known for it’s easy and safe takeoff.  Most of the time– Paraglider lifts you, once it spread in air without running. Some need to run for while, in takeoff ground.

Adventurous beyond imagination, paragliding is guaranteed thrill. However, it can be a little dangerous at times if things go haywire. Weather conditions, landing and takeoff sites, and extremely experienced pilots ensure that paragliding in Bir Billing is met with all safety and convenience standards. Here are a few pointers, you must take care of:

• Be mentally prepared – stay calm and do not get overwhelmingly excited.
• Do not attempt a flight if you have not learnt it. Go for tandem flights in that case.
• Follow all safety instructions properly, specially the ones instructed by your pilot.
• Do not over eat or drink before your flight; wear light clothes.
• There is no age limit as such but kids below 18 are not allowed to fly without parents. You must be within the weight limit of 120 kgs.

Best takeoff and landing sites: To take off you need extremely smooth winds. The takeoff site here has got incredibly smooth and favorable winds for a perfect and easy takeoff. Landing requires a zone with minimum threats of accidents and maximum possibilities of quick help. The landing sites in Bir Billing have all such amenities.

Best time to visit Bir-Billing for Paragliding.

Paragliding is possible throughout the year except monsoon. Monsoon here is from early July to late September. Monsoon here are with very heavy rain from July to September, which is the time when paragliding is closed in Bir Billing. Bir-Billing is located in the foothills of Dhauladhar mountain range of Himalaya’s, which provide amazing weather conditions throughout the year.

But the best time period for Paragliding is divided in two parts.
October to June is the season for paragliding. Even October-November and March-June are the best time for long flights.
Paragliding experience during December, January is different as all the mountains around  are covered with snow, even Billing experience snowfall during that period. Most of the traveler choose this period of time for camping and paragliding in Bir Billing valley.