Trekking in Bir Billing: 17 Trails to Consider

When I spent six months in Bir in the summer of 2021, the one thing I liked to do whenever the weather and my mood allowed, I went trekking in Bir Billing. Though I only ever did day hikes in the region, I thoroughly enjoyed each of them and came to know of trails leading to longer treks around the region. I have never been a serious multi-day trekker but I do enjoy a good day hike regularly, or even short weekend treks like Prashar Lake, Waichin Valley, Rasol village etc are my cup of tea.

So though I already have a solid, comprehensive Bir Billing travel guide in place, despite having written over 5000 words in that one, it was nearly impossible to fit in the details of all the lovely trekking in Bir Billing I did. And that’s how I’ve found myself writing this guide. Here’s a little disclaimer before you went on to read this post, though: I have done about 80% of the treks in Bir Billing listed here. So please take the details of the rest 20% treks with a pinch of salt, because I know of them through word of mouth and through internet research. Thus, there’s a slight chance that not every single detail might be absolutely accurate. (That just leaves more room for exploration for ya, doesn’t it!?)

Trekking in Bir Billing: Best Day Hikes

Mangroli Mata Temple, Kaflaun

The first time I went for the Mangroli Mata Temple trekking in Bir Billing was in 2019. The hosts of the place where I was staying back then took me here for a sunset hike and to this day, it remains one of my most cherished sunset spots in Bir Billing. I have since introduced this spot to a bunch of people and I feel like the beauty of this place must be shared with everyone who’s interested. If you climb atop the hill on which the temple is situated, you can see mountains as far off as Thamsar Pass behind you and layers and layers of smaller mountains ahead. It’s definitely one of the best treks in Bir Billing – and a very short, 20 to 30 minutes hike too, albeit a little steep.

Pro tip: For the best views, climb atop the abandoned structure by the generator.

This Bir Billing trek distance: The distance between Bir and Mangroli Mata Temple is 10.5 kilometers, followed by a short 500 metre hike.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: This is one of the easiest treks in Bir Billing.

Mata Maheshwari Temple, Ahju

The Mata Maheshwari or Garh Wali Mata temple is one of the most popular treks near Bir Billing. The temple is located on the hill clearly visible from the paragliding landing site at Bir. It is yet another great sunset spot in the area, and much closer too. Trekking in Bir Billing to Mata Maheshwari temple means going through a beautiful blue pine forest. The beginning of the trail is located in Ahju village and from there it’s a 2-kilometre easy hike and shouldn’t take more than an hour.

Pro tip: The main temple is towards the right from the trail but if you go to the shrine on the left, it has a more beautiful, open view of the area.

This Bir Billing trek distance: From Bir, the trial head is located 5.5 kilometers away, followed by a 2 kilometer hike.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: This is one of the easiest traisl for trekking near Bir Billing.

Jamlu Devta Temple, Bari

Yes, I know this is the third temple in this guide but how can I help if the best views mostly come from temples! Well, to be fair the Jamlu Devta temple in Bari wouldn’t exactly be for its views. It does have a great clear view of Bir below but the highlight of doing this trekking in Bir Billing is the forest trail it goes through. It is easily one of the most stunning treks in Bir Billing with various kinds of flora and avifauna to acquaint yourself with on the way! While you’re in Bari, also check out the two bakeries in Bir that are situated in the village.

This Bir Billing trek distance: The starting point of this hike is actually very close to Bir, just about 1 kilometer away, followed by an easy 2 kilometer hike uphill.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: This is yet another one of the easier treks in Bir Billing.

Billing Trek

Granted, there’s a road that now goes from Bir all the way to Billing (and now even further to Rajgundha). But for those who like a little bit of adventure in their life, can consider trekking from Bir to Billing. Though the road distance between Bir and Billing is 14 kilometres, the Bir Billing trek is only 10 kilometres. The trail goes through a gorgeous rhododendron forest, which would make this trekking in Bir Billing an absolute blessing during the rhododendron bloom in March and April!

This Bir Billing trek distance: The trek from Bir to Billing is 10 kilometers long.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: The trail is a gradual climb, nothing too difficult for novice trekkers.

Best Trekking Near Bir Billing

Rajgundha Trek

If I’m being honest, the Rajgundha “trek” is more of a walk than a trek. What used to be a proper trek going through a forested trail of rhododendron and kharsu oak trees, has now turned into a paved road, waiting for the tarmac to be laid out (as of November 2021). But for the sake of this trekking in Bir Billing guide, let’s consider it a trek, shall we? The trek-walk starts from Billing and takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. Midway through, at Chaina Pass, one can also rest for tea, eggs or Maggi before continuing further. I would say, contrary to most other treks out there, the destination of this place is more exciting than the trek itself but it’s a good, long walk nonetheless!

This Bir Billing trek distance: This trek is 14 kilometers long.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: Extremely easy, barely a trek – more of a walk.

Plachak Valley Trek

The Plachak Valley Trek is a great day hike near Bir Billing. Plachak is one of the resting places of the local deity, Ajaypal and a dedicated shrine sits here. Apart from that, Plachak also makes for the first campsite for longer multi-day treks going to Thamsar and/or Bada Bangal. The trek starts from near Rajgundha village, from the bridge at Gharsa and mainly goes through a breezy oak forest with the Uhl river flowing below. There is no civilization at Plachak and only a Nepalese couple live here in a modest mud house from March through October. Here you can get basic refreshments like tea and Maggi and if you reach on time well before lunch, you can also request them to make you a plate! Plachak is also a great place for sightings of the Himalayan buzzard and the Himalayan griffon, making for some great trekking in Bir Billing.

This Bir Billing trek distance: Plachak Valley is a 7 kilometers long trek

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: It’s an easy to moderate trek. For those who have never trekked before, it might be a little long and exhausting.

Fularidhar Trek

Fularidhar is yet another beautiful route for trekking in Bir Billing. The trek starts from a village called Jhatingri, about 32 kilometres from Bir. Fularoidhasr offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding valley and distant, snowcapped mountains of the Pir Panjal and Dhauldhar ranges. There are only a few places to stay in Fularidhar available and one of them is Camp 360, the most popular guest house to stay at. This place is definitely worth a visit for a short weekend hike, or just a day trip from Bir Billing.

This Bir Billing trek distance: From Jhatingri to Fularidhar or Puladhar, the trek is about 4 kilpometers long.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: The trek goes through a very easy trail.

Winch Camp Trek

Winch Camp is the highest settlement in the Joginder Nagar region at about 2400 meters above sea level. It is located right beside Headgear, the highest peak of the region at 2700 meters above sea level. The Winch Camp starts from Chaina Pass (halfway from Billing to Rajgundha). Winch Camp dates back to the British era as it used to be one of the stops on the haulage trolley train track in the Joginder Nagar area. The best route to take would be to walk from Billing to Chain Pass and spend the night there at Ma Raasta House. The next morning, hike up to Winch Camp, the hosts at Ma Raasta will be able to guide you with the way for this trekking in Bir Billing.

This Bir Billing trek distance: The Winch Camp trek from Chaina Pass is about 4 kilometers.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: Mostly easy, slightly on the moderate side.

Check out this post for a complete travel guide to Rajgundha Valley.

Thamsar Pass Trek

Thamsar Pass is one of the most exciting treks in the Bir Billing region. The pass connects the Kangra Valley and the Ravi Valley together and commands excellent views of Lantern and Thamsar peaks – both above 5000 meters above sea level. Thamsar Pass itself is located at 4665 meters above sea level. Though this trekking in Bir Billing can be accessed from various points in Himachal Pradesh, including the Kullu, Mandi and Chamba districts, in Kanga district the trek begins from Rajgindha itself and goes through Plachak and beyond. The trek takes about 3 to 5 days to complete, depending on the itinerary you follow.

This Bir Billing trek distance: The Rajgundha to Thamsar Pass distance is about 20 kilometers, with an elevation gain of 2000 meters.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: This is a moderate to difficult trek, suited for experienced trekkers.

Bada Bhangal Trek

The region from Barot to Thamsar Pass is known as Chota Bhangal and beyond Thamsar lies the remote village of Bada Bhangal where no road goes and one must trek for 10 to 12 days to reach here. This trek goes beyond Thamsar, to Bada Bhangal and finally open up at Manali in the Kullu district. Through mesmerising cross over trekking in Bir Billing, this trek will definitely be a challenge but will give you memories for a lifetime.

This Bir Billing trek distance: From Rajgundha to Manali, the Bada Bhangal trek distance is about 105 kilometers.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: The Bada Bhangal trek is a difficult trek and should only be done by experienced trekkers.

Best Waterfall Trekking Bir Billing

Bangoru Waterfall, Gunehar

Located in Gunehar village, some 4 kilometres from the Bir market, the Bangoru Waterfall – more popularly known as the Gunehar waterfall – is one of the tallest and strongest waterfalls in the region. This trail for trekking in Bir Billing goes through a winding way amidst the valley. Understanding the route can be a bit tricky but you don’t have to worry as there are always enough villagers around to help you out. We ended up taking quite an adventurous way which needed us to climb down a steep rock face using a rope and tree roots but there’s an easier route as well. The Gunehar Waterfall is not very swimmable but consider it as a very strong, natural shower you can stand under!

This Bir Billing trek distance: This Bir Billing trek is about 2 kilometers long.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: This Bir Billing trek is a little tricky due to slippery rocks, but with caution even novice treks can do it.

Dakshina Kali Ashram pools, Bir Khas

In the Upper Bir village, there is an Ashram known as the Dakshina Kali Ashram along which a stream runs creating several natural pools as it goes. You can hike along the path and find the one you like best for a dip! The water is extremely cold and during monsoons, this trekking in Bir Billing trail gets infested with leeches so proceed with caution!

This Bir Billing trek distance: The Bir Billing trekking distance depends on which natural pool you deicde to go to. It’s a trail of about 1 kilometers from which you can choose.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: It’s an easy well, marked walk. Be careful while in the pools as the rocks tend to be slippery with algae.

Chobu Waterfall

Perhaps my most favourite spot in all of Bir, this trekking in Bir Billing will take your mind away! This is one of the most astounding treks near Bir Billig, although a bit far. Located near a town called Mahakal, in a village known as Chobu. There is a natural water stream where most people passing through stop to wash their cars/ drink water. From here, there is a trail going downwards. It is not visible easily as it is overgrown with wild bushes so you really have to look where you’re stepping. Follow this trail until you reach the river on your right. From here, follow the trail upstream to your lift passing through massive boulders which you will have to climb on all fours. It’s a bit of a challenge, but this is one of those treks in Bir Billing that make every second worth your while! At the end, there is a double waterfall with a beautiful natural pool below where you can swim to your heart’s content.

This Bir Billing trek distance: From Bir, the starting point of this trek is about 22 kilometers away. From there, this trek in Bir Billing is about 1.5 kilometers long.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: This Bir Billing trek is short, however a little challenging. So mentally prepare yourself to face some hurdles but nothing too difficult to worry about.

Chobin Waterfall

Another waterfall close by to Chobu waterfall is in a village called Chobin. For Chobu, you take a right from Mahakal but for Chobin, you have to take a left and go all the way before the bridge. There, you will see a trail going downhill. Follow that, and you will be rewarded with yet another beautiful natural pool worth swimming in! I haven’t personally done this trekking in Bir Billing, but have heard great things from friends.

This Bir Billing trek distance: From Bir, the starting point of this trek is about 22 kilometers away. From there, this trek in Bir Billing is about 2 kilometers long.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: This Bir Billing trek is short, however a little challenging. So mentally prepare yourself to face some hurdles but nothing too difficult to worry about

Machiyaal Temple Pools, Ahru

There is a temple in Ahru village, located close to Bir where a natural pool is created right beside it. The temple is known as Machiyaal Temple and can even be found on Google maps. This is yet another breathtaking trekking in Bir Billing that doesn’t require much effort. The pool is also home to a number of fish and you can peacefully swim here in the emerald green waters! I haven’t been here, but many friends have and all came happy and content.

This Bir Billing trek distance: This Bir Billing trek distance is about 17 kilometers from Bir market.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: Since there is almost no trekking involved, this is definitely one of the easiest treks in Bir Billing region.

Tatwani Hotwater Spring, Deol Khas

Yet another place I couldn’t go to because I broke my foot sometime in July and doing long hikes was off the table for at least 3 months. This trekking in Bir Billing starts from a village known as Deol, beside the hydropower project. It is a long-ish trail but worth it. In the end, there are hot water springs you can dip in – one of the most perfect winter morning treks in Bir Billing! The water here is known to have healing properties and a dip can cure you of joint and skin ailments! If you’re not sure of the trail, just keep following the stream uphill.

This Bir Billing trek distance: The starting point for this Bir Billing trek distance is about 18 kilometers away. From there, the trek is about 2 kilometers.

This Bir Billing trek difficulty: Though this Bir Billing trek is only 2 kilometers long, it is steep so it will take about 1 to 2 hours to complete depensing on your endurance.

Trekking in Bir Billing – FAQs

How long is Bir Billing Trek?

The Bir Billing trek is about 10 kilometres long and goes through beautiful oak and rhododendron forests. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete the Bir Billing trek and the views at Billing make it worth it!

What is the best time to visit Bir Billing?

The best time to visit Bir Billing for trekking is from March to May and then October to December, depending on whether you want to do summer Bir Billing treks or winter Bir Billing treks.

How do I plan a trip to Bir Billing?

Planning a trip to Bir Billing is quite easy. You can refer to my complete Bir Billing travel guide to get all details on how to reach Bir, where to stay in Bir, what to do in Bir and best places to eat in Bir etc.

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