The Complete Bir Billing Travel Guide – Things to Do in Bir Billing

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When I visited Bir, Himachal Pradesh for the first time in 2019, I ended up spending 10 days and yet left wanting more. I knew from my very first visit itself that this is the place I’d like to slow down in, maybe get myself a house for a couple of months and travel my way through the village and its surroundings slowly, one day at a time. Fast forward to 2021 and I’ve been living here for the past 6 months. There is so much I’ve seen and yet it feels like there’s even more that is left to be explored. But now that I’ve spent so much time in this village of the Kangra district, I think a Bir Billing travel guide is inevitable – so here we go!

Bir is named after Birsen, a ruler from the Sen Dynasty. If you’re wondering what is Bir Billing famous for, it has to be the title of the paragliding capital of India and is also the second-highest paragliding site in the world. Bir Billing tourism shot up after 2015 when the village hosted the Paragliding World Cup for the very first time. Ever since then, it has gained popularity to an extent that it often comes at par with Manali and McLeod Ganj (though that may not be the best thing!) Bir and Billing are actually two separate villages – Bir is where the landing site for paragliding is located and Billing is where one takes off from while paragliding. The distance between Bir and Billing is about 15 kilometres and they are well connected via the Bir Billing road. So without further ado, let’s deep dive into this Bir Billing travel guide!

🪂Visiting Bir? Here are a few quick links at a glance:
✈️Book Flights: Skyscanner for cheapest deals
🚤Book Transfers: 12goAsia
🛌Book Hotels: Booking and Expedia for best deals
🩺Global Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
🧴Sunscreen: Thank You Farmer (Reef Safe), Foxtale (SPF 70)

Best Time to Visit Bir Billing – Bir Temperature

Bir Billing is a place that has different charms throughout the year. There is no one best time to visit Bir Billing and honestly, each month of the year is different and beautiful here. Monsoons are usually the quietest time of the year here. The streets and cafes are all mostly empty – some cafes even remain shut during the monsoon months of July to September. But this can be relaxing and having lesser tourist around can often be a good time to find peace and quiet! Monsoons are also the time to witness the massive corn or maize plantations growing all through Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

But if you’re looking to see Bir in all its glory, the best time to visit Bir Billing is from October to June. The autumn months of October and November are great to witness the stunning sunsets of Bir, with moderate temperatures (you will require only one jacket). Winters are not too cold here unlike other higher Himachali regions like Spiti Valley, Kinnaur and Tirthan Valley, with Bir temperature not going below zero degrees. But the warm winter sun and stunning snow-capped peaks are to die for! Bir Billing snowfall is a whole different matter. It does snow in Billing during the winters, but not in Bir. The spring months of late February to early April bring with them beautiful rhododendron (buransh) flower bloom, especially in the forests around Billing. Summers in Bir are pleasant but the afternoons can get very hot. This is the perfect time to see the golden wheat plantations everywhere.

To sum it up, if your question is what is the best time to visit Bir Billing, I’d say throughout the year but peak Bir Billing tourism season lasts from October to June.

Bir Billing travel guide pro tip: The Bir weather is highly unpredictable. It is always wise to carry a light jacket and an umbrella/ rain jacket with you while on a visit to Bir (regardless of the season).

Bir Billing paragliding remains closed from July 15 to September 15 every year so plan your trips accordingly.

How to Reach Bir Billing

The nearest railway station to Bir is at Pathankot in Punjab, about 140 kilometres away. From Pathankot, there are regular local buses going towards Bir. You can also hop on to the toy train from Pathankot and get off at Ahju, the nearest toy train railways station at Bir.

The nearest airport to Bir is at Gaggal, also known as the Kangra Airport or the Dharamshala Airport, located about 65 kilometres away. Bus availability from Gaggal to Bir is not very frequent, but taxis can be found easily and cost 1,500 rupees (as of 2021).

The biggest towns near Bir are Baijnath (12 kilometres away), Joginder Nagar (14 kilometres away) and Palampur (30 kilometres away). All are well connected to Bir via local buses that run from the Bir Road bus stop.

Bir Billing from Delhi

The distance between Bir Billing from Delhi is about 520 kilometres. This Bir Billing travel guide suggests that the easiest way to reach Bir Billing from Delhi is to take a direct overnight Volvo semi sleeper bus from Majnu ka Tilla in Delhi. The travel time to Bir Billing from Delhi is about 11 to 13 hours via bus.

You can also take a train from Delhi to Pathankot and then catch a bus headed to Bir. As per this Bir Billing travel guide, this combination of train+bus is the cheapest way to reach Bir Billing from Delhi (if you opt for sleeper class). Alternatively, a flight from Delhi to Gaggal is also a doable option (but it is more expensive). One can also self-drive which will take anywhere between 10 to 12 hours from Delhi to Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

Bir Billing from Chandigarh

The distance between Bir Billing from Chandigarh is about 280 kilometres. The easiest way to reach Bir Billing from Chandigarh – as suggested by this Bir Billing travel guide – is to take a direct overnight Volvo semi sleeper bus from Tribune Chowk in Chandigarh. The travel time to Bir Billing from Chandigarh is about 6 to 8 hours via bus.

You can also take a train from Chandigarh to Pathankot and then catch a bus headed to Bir. This is the cheapest way to reach Bir Billing from Chandigarh (if you opt for sleeper class). Alternatively, a flight from Chandigarh to Gaggal is also a doable option (but it is more expensive). One can also self-drive which will take anywhere between 5 to 7 hours from Chandigarh to Bir.

Bir to Manali

The distance from Bir to Manali is about 160 kilometres. Since this Bir Billing distance is a popular route, there is a daily direct bus from Bir to Manali available on RedBus/ Make My Trip that is operated by Bedi Holidays. It is a non-AC bus and the journey takes about 8 hours to complete. However, you can also catch the many buses going from Palampur to Manali or Baijnath to Manali from the Bir Road bus stop.

Bir Billing travel guide pro tip: There are always several people taking a taxi from Bir to Manali so enquire around and share the ride (and the cost!).

Suggested Read: “Manali to Lahaul via Atal Tunnel“

Bir Billing to Mcleod Ganj

The distance from Bir to McLeod Ganj is about 70 kilometres. Since this bir Billing distance is also a common route, there is a direct bus from Bir to McLeod Ganj available on RedBus/ Make My Trip that is operated by Bedi Holidays. (However, you need to catch this bus from the Bir Road bus stand) It is a non-AC bus and the journey takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. There aren’t many local buses running directly from Bir to McLeod Ganj. However, you can change buses to reach your destination. The Bir to Palampur to Dharamshala to McLeod Ganj is a popular route.

Suggested Read: “Kareri Lake Trek, Dharamshala“.

Bir Billing travel guide pro tip: There are always several people taking a taxi from Bir to McLeod Ganj/ Dharamshala/ Dharamkot so enquire around and share the ride (and the cost!).

How to Get Around in Bir

There are several ways to get around in Bir. Buthe most convenient way to span across the Bir Billing distance is to rent a scooter or a bike depending on your budget. Most rental shops charge 800 to 1000 rupees a day depending on the bike and 600 rupees a day for a scooter. You can also get a scooter for half a day for rupees 400. Though Raj Bike Rental and Masiha Bike Rental are usually popular choices, there is one car wash shop below Paloma Bistro that also rents out scooters. The owners here are much nicer (the Masiha guy is really rude), and are usually willing to negotiate the prices.

Alternatively, there are taxis readily available everywhere for you to get around in Bir. A single trip in the Tibetan Colony and surrounding villages (Suja, Chougan, Upper Bir) costs 100 rupees. Buses are few and infrequent around Bir. Buses can be boarded from Chougan Chowk at certain times of the day. Otherwise, the Bir Road bus stop is best for hopping onto a local bus.

But my most favourite way of getting around in Bir is to simply just walk. Walking helps you get acquainted with a certain place really well and helps find spots that you may have otherwise missed while whizzing past on a scooter or a taxi. After all, as they say, sometimes the journey is better than the destination! Good point, right? This Bir Billing travel guide has your back!

Where to Stay in Bir Billing

Next up on our Bir Billing travel guide is finding a place to stay in Bir. Since its tourism boom, there are several (sometimes even way too many) options to choose from for places to stay in Bir Billing. Depending on your budget, there are various places you can look at. If your question is where to stay in Bir Billing, we have got you covered.

For those who don’t mind a little bit of luxury, consider La Maison, Sang-e-Meel, Sukoon Baag, Hobknob Experience and Zostel.

For mid-range options and long-term rentals in Bir, check out homestays like Arun Homestay, Mohinder and Mohindra Homestay, Maharaj Homestay and Hari Om Homestay.

For budget and solo travellers, hostels like The Hosteller, The Bunker and Sparrow House Cafe are good options.

Booking.com

Things to do in Bir Billing

Coming on to one of the most asked questions in a Bir Billing travel guide – what are the things to do in Bir Billing. While there are several places that have become especially popular over the years, there are yet so many more that deserve your equal attention. So perhaps for your next Bir Billing trip itinerary, give these extraordinary things to do in Bir Billing a try –

Bir Billing Paragliding

No Bir Billing travel guide is complete without at least a few mentions of the world-famous Bir Billing paragliding. Ever since the 2015 Paragliding World Cup, the flying scene in Bir has really taken off (pun intended!) There are people from all over the world, and from all parts of India, who come here to stay long-term and learn how to become a paraglider. If your aim is to learn to fly as well, there are several instructors and institutes here ready for you to start your lessons. But in case you want to test the waters first or simply go for a joy flight, consider booking a tandem flight from one of the many paragliding agencies in Bir. Each flight lasts from 30 to 60 minutes and it the adrenaline rush you get while running off the mountain to take off is something that you will remember for a lifetime, making paragliding definitely one of the top things to do in Bir Billing.

Watch the Famous Bir Sunsets

After paragliding, one of the most famous things to do in Bir Billing is admiring its one-of-a-kind sunsets. Due to the valley’s geographical landscape, each sunset here is different from the other and will leave you in awe. Some days you can see the giant orange ball submerge into the horizon, on some days the sun isn’t visible but the pink clouds mark the end of the day anyway. The paragliding landing site in Bir is a popular spot to catch a famous Bir sunset from. Other spots include Avva Cafe, Mata Maheshwari Temple and Mangroli Mata Temple.

Take the Kangra Queen Toy Train Ride

Himachal Pradesh has two narrow-gauge railway lines. One runs from Kalka (near Chandigarh) in Haryana to Shimla and the other runs from Pathankot in Punjab to Joginder Nagar. Both of these have a charm of their own and when you’re in Bir, why not take a joy toy train ride yourself!? The nearest toy train railway station from Bir is Ahju (about 5 kilometres away). The train tickets start from as low as 10 rupees and it is an interesting experience to have while looking for things to do in Bir Billing.

Attend a Course at the Deer Park Institute

The Deer Park Institute was established in 2006 to study traditional Indian wisdom. There are several courses that keep taking place here every now and then ranging from sound healing therapy to Thai massage and body works etc. These are great classes to attend to become more aware of your physical as well as the spirit body. But if this is not what you’re interested in, you can always go in for a visit or meditate in one of the meditation caves in the institute. This is definitely one of the most beautiful and peaceful things to do in Bir Billing. They also serve buffet-style lunches and dinners on a daily basis with incredibly tasty yet healthy food. (Make sure you book your plate in advance).

Go on Some Bir Billing Day Hikes

There are several day hikes in and around Bir Billing that I’ve stumbled upon during my time here. Each trail is unique in its own way and definitely makes for one of the best things to do in Bir Billing. So if you have a couple of days on you and are thinking of what to do in Bir Billing, check out these hikes –

• Mangroli Mata Temple Sunset Hike, Kaflaun
• Mata Maheshwari Temple Hike, Ahju
• Jamlu Devta Temple, Bir Khas
• Palpung Sherabling Monastery forest hike, Bhattu
• Rajgundha Trek

For a complete guide to Day Hikes in Bir, check out this post.

Explore the Bir Billing Waterfalls

There are several waterfalls in the region that give you the perfect answer for things to do in Bir Billing. Though reaching some waterfalls in the area need a quick drive to the starting point, many waterfalls in Bir Billing are within walkable distance from the nearby villages! Have a look at some of these in this Bir Billing travel guide –

• Bangoru Waterfall, Gunehar
• Khopcha Waterfall, Billing
• Dakshina Kali Ashram pools, Bir Khas
• Natural Pools behind Cemetary Place, Bir Khas

Attend a Theatrical Walk with Kahani Ki Dukaan

Kahani Ki Dukaan is an organization that hosts performance arts workshops for the children of Gunehar village. They have a beautiful “library” made in a traditional pahadi mud house with art supplies and storybooks for children to indulge in, where these workshops are conducted. KKD also takes weekly nature walks followed by a wholesome dinner for those interested in showing their support for this wonderful cause. If you’re around on a Sunday and thinking of things to do in Bir Billing, don’t give this a miss!

Visit the Bir Billing Monasteries

Visiting the Bir Billing monasteries is definitely one of the top things to do in Bir Billing. There are several of them located around the region and each of them has different significance and is known for different things. These make for some of the places to visit in Bir Billing. Some of the most popular monasteries in Bir Billing where you can visit, meditate, learn about the Buddhist culture and experience the lives of monks include –

• Palpung Sherabling Monastery, Bhattu
• Choukling Monastery, Bir Colony
• Tsering Jong Monastery, Bir Colony
• Bhumang Jampaling Monastery, Chauntra
• Sakya Dirru Monastery
• Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro College Of Dialectics, Chauntra

Each monastery and monastic school was set up by different people with different aims. If this is something that interests you, definitely try to learn more about the founders and the history of each of these. Plus, if you get lucky, you might also get to see monks debating as part of their studies – where they make deep philosophical statements followed by a loud clap to emphasize their points. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Bir Billing and an interesting learning experience to have about the Buddhist culture.

Go Cafe Hopping

When one thinks of things to do in Bir Billing, cafe hopping comes up inevitably. With so many cafes now spread around the area, there is definitely no dearth of good places to eat in Bir Billing. Over time, I have tried several cafes and many of them stand out for one dish or one drink that I like and keep going back for. Here are some of my most favourite cafes in Bir Billing –

• Silver Linings Cafe for their homemade Iced Tea and Lentil Bean Burger
• Emaho Cafe for their dry manchurian (off the menu)
• Ram Bahadur Cafe for Momos
• Bhoomi Cafe for Korean food
• Avva Cafe for South Indian food

Check out this detailed guide to best places to eat in Bir Billing

Visit the Villages Near Bir Billing

Bir and Billing might be two separate villages, but no Bir Billing travel guide is complete without a visit to the many villages dotting this area. Some of my favourite villages near Bir Billing include Bari and Gunehar for a magical forest bathing time amidst a maze of pine cones everywhere. The tea estates in Keori village are calm and peaceful where tourists seldom go, making for the perfect place to walk, get lost and get your creative juices flowing! Gharnala and Sansal are two more villages higher up in the mountains that make for a perfect drive up! Laher is yet another incredibly mesmerising village where you won’t mind spending hours at a stretch. Village walks are definitely the best things to do in Bir Billing. Villages around Bir are extremely charming, making for some of the best places to visit in Bir Billing.

Also consider Camping in Gharnala in Swiss Tents with live music, bonfire, star gazing and A1 vibes surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks!

Bir Billing travel guide pro tip: If you visit the higher villages in monsoons, carry a saltwater spray with you because the leech infestation in the forests is REAL!

Check Out the Dharmalaya Institute of Compassionate Living

If you’re someone who’s interested in leading and/ or learning about a sustainable lifestyle, you might want to go pay a visit to the Dharmalaya Institute. The institute is located in the village of Keori near Bir and was built using indigenous construction materials including mud, stone and wood. The institute focuses on sustainable living which includes (but is not limited to) organic food farming, sustainable architecture, holistic health practices, environmental protection and more. You can either pay a simple visit to experience the beauty of the place (by appointment only) or get involved by doing a full-fledged course, shorter internships or volunteering. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Bir Billing. You can look for more details on their website here.

Trek to Rajgundha Valley

Rajgundha is a village nestled somewhere between the Barot and Billing valleys. The location of this tiny hamlet is mesmerising and a paradise for all trekking and nature enthusiasts. If you are looking to spend some quiet time off the grid, this Bir Billing travel guide definitely recommends a visit to Rajgundha. Rajgundha village can be accessed either by a 10 kilometres trek from Billing or one can drive/ take a bus to Bara Garan village near Barot (about 70 kilometres away) and then hike up to 3 kilometres to Rajgundha. There are several properties available for a night’s stay in Rajgundha, including hostels, guest houses and campsites, making for one of the most unique things to do in Bir Billing.

Attend Musicathon

Musicathon is one of the most sought-after music festivals in all of Himachal Pradesh and is definitely one of the best things to do in Bir Billing. This music festival takes place annually in the village of Bir and is hosted by the owners of Musafir Cafe. With many famous and emerging indie and folk music artists making an appearance here, planning your entire Bir Billing travel guide around this food and music extravaganza is definitely worth it – trust this Bir Billing travel blog!

Visit the Pottery Village of Andretta

Andretta is a village about 30 kilometres from Bir, located near Palampur. This village is known for its pottery studios that make splendid pottery and sell it. So if you’re looking for some unique things to do in Bir Billing, Andretta is the place to go. Consider taking a pottery-making workshop or just go and visit the studio and buy some souvenirs if you like!

Check out this tour for a complete visit of the Andretta Artists’ Village, Palampur Tea Gardens and Sobha Singh Art Gallery to learn about the history and concept, indulge in natural beauty and try your hands at pottery!

Places to Eat in Bir Billing

As mentioned before in this Bir Billing travel guide, there are several places to eat in Bir Billing that you can choose from. Depending on your budget and what you feel like trying, there is no dearth of lip-smacking opportunities here for food lovers!

If you’re into South Indian food, Avva Cafe is the go-to place for that. For a more relaxed vibe where you can spend an hour or two reading a book or getting your work done while sipping a cup of chai, Silver Linings Cafe is the place to be. This is definitely my favourite cafe in all of Bir Billing and no other place can come close.

To try experimenting with Korean food, the japchae and dan dan mein at Bhoomi Cafe is delicious. They also make different desserts on a daily. There are also several street food options including laphing and momos in Bir. To eat cheap, local food Shere Punjab is a great dhaba for those watching their budget!

There are way more places to eat in Bir Billing that can find space in this Bir Billing travel guide. You can also check out my dedicated post for the best places to eat in Bir Billing (linked above).

Where to Go After Bir Billing

For those who are looking for destination ideas on where to go after Bir Billing is crossed off your list, there are several places within Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand that are well connected via public transport and will make a great addition to your Bir Billing itinerary.

Dharamshala

There are several buses running directly from Bir Billing to Dharamshala. One can choose to visit the Dharamshala town, as well as go to Dharamkot and McLeod Ganj. The cricket stadium at Dharamshala is stunning, surrounded by the snowcapped Dhaukadhar mountains. On the other hand, McLeod Ganj is best for cafe hopping and some shopping while Dharamkot has a more peaceful, hippie kind of vibe. The Gallu Waterfall and Triund trek are two of the most popular activities here. The Kareri Lake trek is also a great activity to do while here.

Parvati Valley

Parvati Valley is a paradise for those looking to spend some time in nature or go on several short one or two days long treks. There are also some truly offbeat villages here that not many people go to and are perfect for those looking for some peace and quiet. Shilha Village and Lapas village are my top two recommendations here. Apart from that, the Waichin Valley trek and Rasol village trek are also worth looking at.

Prashar Lake

Located near Mandi town, Prashar Lake is one of my most favourite places in Himachal Pradesh. The lake is very easily accessible by road, or one can also choose to trek up from Bari village. The lush rolling meadows surrounding the lake are as picturesque as they come and the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountains also surround the area in the distance. The distance between Bir Billing and Prashar Lake is about 100 kilometres.

Here's a detailed travel and trek guide to Prashar Lake

Tirthan Valley

Tirthan Valley abounds with small picturesque villages and innumerable hiking trails in Tirthan Valley valley spread across the region. This culturally rich region also has many age-old temples each with its own myths and legends which are a treat to listen to. Villages like Jibhi, Gadagushaini, Gushaini, Bahu and Chehni are some of the most beautiful villages in Tirthan Valley that are worth visiting. The festivals like Dussehra in October and Fagli in February are also celebrated with a lot of fanfare in Tirthan Valley, something which should not be missed!

Bir Billing Travel Guide – FAQs

Which are the best things to do in Bir Billing?

Needless to say, if you’re wondering what is Bir Billing famous for, it is the Bir Billing paragliding that should be on top of your list while considering this Bir Billing travel guide. Apart from that, you can also check out Gunehar Waterfall, visit the Palpung Sherabling Monastery and marvel at the beautiful sunsets in Bir, Himachal Pradesh.

Where can one book paragliding in Bir Billing?

There are several agencies that offer paragliding services. A tandem flight can cost you anywhere between 1500 to 3000 rupees depending on the length of the flight or if you would like to rent a GoPro. My experience with Tendril Adventures was seamless. A half-hour flight cost me 1500 rupees (including the GoPro). You can also directly book with Vikram Shukla, my friend and a paragliding pilot who has been flying across India and Nepal for the past 8 years and is now based in Bir. You can contact him on Instagram.

How can I go from Bir to Billing?

The distance between Bir and Billing is about 15 kilometres and they are well connected via Bir Billing road. You can either self-drive to Billing, hire a taxi or rent a scooter/ bike to get there. For paragliding take-off from Billing, your transport to the take-off site is included in the flight price.

Is Bir Billing worth visiting?

Tryst this Bir Billing travel blog, this enchanting village is definitely worth visiting at least once in your life. From someone who has lived for 6 months in the place, I think you can take my word for it! It’s a beautiful place with wide-open valleys and a lot of activities to keep you engaged for at least a whole week if not more!

Is there snowfall in Bir Billing?

Bir Billing snowfall is something worth experiencing. It does not snow in Bir and neighbouring villages. However, it does snow in Billing. So in case you travel to Bir Billing in the winters and wish to experience snow, head out to Billing!

Suggested Read: “Surviving – 30 Degrees in Spiti Valley Winters“

Is Bir Billing safe?

Bir Billing is definitely a very safe place to visit. As a solo female traveller who lived in Bir for 6 months, I did not have a bad experience even once. It is absolutely safe to explore by yourself and even walk around at night (with common sense and caution of course!) The locals are all warm and friendly and always ready to help.

How many days are enough for Bir?

As I’ve said before in this Bir Billing travel guide as well, even 6 months didn’t seem like a long enough time for me to properly explore Bir and its surroundings through and through. But if you plan on travelling to Bir Billing, I’d say come with at least 3 days in hand. But to make the most of your trip, 7 to 10 days is a good enough time to spend in Bir.

Is there network in Bir Billing?

Yes, there is good network availability in Bir Billing. There is a proper Jio and Airtel network with a speedy 4G Internet available almost throughout the regions surrounding Bir and Billing.

Is there an ATM in Bir Billing?

There is a Kangra Cooperative Bank ATM in Bir Billing at Gandhi Chowk in Tibetan Colony but it is often out of service. Alternatively, you can withdraw cash from the SBI Grahak Seva Kendra located right next to Gandhi Chowk (Also one near Manoj Homestay) at no additional charge. There are several functional ATMs available at Chauntra, a small town just about 6 kilometres from Bir.

Is there a petrol pump in Bir Billing?

There is no petrol pump available in Bir Billing. The nearest petrol pump to Bir Billing is at Chauntra, about 6 kilometres away.

What is the height of Bir Billing?

Bir village sits at a height of about 1,525 meters above sea level. On the other hand, Billing is located at a height of about 2,400 meters above sea level.

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