"You don't just fly in Bir; you become part of the sky. With the Dhauladhar range as your backdrop and eagles as your wingmen, this is aviation in its purest form."
Bir Billing isn’t just arguably the best paragliding spot in Asia; it is the World's Second-Highest site. Having hosted the Paragliding World Cup in 2015, the infrastructure here is world-class, but the experience remains wild and untamed. Whether you are a nervous first-timer or a seasoned pilot, this guide covers everything.
"The Golden Hour Flight - 4:30 PM ✨"
🦅 Why Billing is Special
The geography here is a freak of nature (in the best way). The Billing take-off site acts like a massive funnel for "thermals"—warm air columns that rise up the mountains.
📍 The Launch: Billing
Located 14km up a winding road. Elevation: 2,400 meters (8,000 ft). It’s naturally grassy and sloped, making take-offs smooth even for beginners.
⛳ The Landing: Bir
The "Chaugan" is a vast meadow at 1,350m. It's so big that pilots can land from any direction, drastically reducing accident risks.
Pre-Flight Safety Checklist ✅
Don't just book the cheapest flier. Your safety is worth more than saving ₹500. Use this checklist:
PILOT VERIFICATION #001
- Ask for License: Must have FDI or IPPI P3/P4/P5 Card.
- Helmet Check: Should fit tight. No wobbling.
- Reserve Chute: Ask "Where is the reserve?". It's usually under your seat.
- GoPro Tether: Ensure the camera stick is tied to the harness.
Visual Season Guide 🗓️
Bir changes drastically with seasons. Choosing the wrong month means you might just be sitting in a cafe looking at rain.
October - November (The Goldilocks Zone)
The winds are calm, the air is stable, and the views are HD crisp. This is when the competitions happen.
Verdict: BEST FOR EVERYONE.
March - June (The Thermal Monster)
As the sun gets stronger, thermals get aggressive. Flights can go higher (3000m+).
Verdict: GREAT FOR THRILL SEEKERS.
July - September (The Wet Blanket)
Monsoon season. Flying is strictly prohibited.
Verdict: DO NOT COME TO FLY.
FAQ: What Nobody Tells You
Can I take my phone? ▼
Yes, but at your own risk. We recommend a sturdy lanyard or zipper pocket. Dropping a phone from 2000m means it's gone forever.
What about motion sickness? ▼
It happens! If you are prone to car sickness, take a pill 30 mins before. Also, ask your pilot for a "smooth flight" and avoid acrobatics.
