Short answer: Paragliders take off from Billing, a meadow at about 2,400 m, and land at the Chaugan ground in Bir, around 1,400 m, some 13–14 km away by road. A standard tandem flight lasts roughly 15–20 minutes in the air, with a trained pilot doing the flying. Flights are generally suspended in the monsoon, roughly July to mid-September, and the most recommended months are March to June and October to November.
Bir Billing at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Take-off | Billing, about 2,400 m (one survey figure is 2,428 m) |
| Landing | Chaugan ground, Bir, about 1,400 m |
| Height difference | About 1,000 m |
| Bir to Billing | 13–14 km by a narrow hill road |
| Standard tandem flight | About 15–20 minutes; longer flights are sold separately |
| Flying stops | Monsoon, and any day the wind or cloud is unsafe |
| Nearest airport / railhead | Kangra (Gaggal) / Pathankot for broad gauge |
How a tandem flight works
- Drive up to Billing. The operator takes you up from Bir; allow close to an hour with the wait.
- Briefing and harness. You are clipped in front of the pilot and told how to run at take-off.
- Take-off. A short run down the slope and the wing lifts you.
- The flight. You sit; the pilot steers. Tell the pilot if you feel unwell.
- Landing at Bir. Lift your legs when told and be ready to take a few steps.
The air time is short, but the transfer, the queue and the weather wait usually take half a day. Mornings tend to be calmer; afternoon winds can pause flying.
Prices
We do not publish a fixed price because rates change by season, flight length and operator. Recent guides quote roughly ₹2,000–3,000 for a standard 15–20 minute flight and more for longer ones, with video usually charged extra. Treat these as indications and get the current rate in writing before you pay.
Choosing an operator safely
- Fly only with a pilot and operator registered with the local authorities, and ask to see the licence.
- Check that a reserve parachute and helmets are carried and that the harness is in good condition.
- Ask about weight limits and tell the operator about any heart, back, breathing or pregnancy-related condition before booking.
- Do not pressure a pilot to fly in marginal weather, and be wary of one who offers to.
- Check what your travel insurance says about adventure sports.
When to go
- March–June: flying season, pleasant days. Weekends are busy.
- July–mid-September: monsoon; flying is generally suspended and the hill roads are prone to landslides.
- October–November: widely regarded as the best flying weather; competitions are often held around this time.
- December–February: cold, with flying possible on clear days; Billing can get snow.
More detail is in best time for paragliding in Bir Billing.
How to reach Bir
- From Delhi by road: published distances range from about 460 to 520 km. Overnight buses take roughly 11–13 hours.
- By train: Pathankot is the nearest broad-gauge station, about 4–4.5 hours away by road.
- By air: Kangra (Gaggal) airport, then a taxi; sources put the drive at 40–70 km, so check the route.
Beyond the flight
- Tibetan monasteries and the Tibetan colony in Bir.
- Walks through the tea gardens and villages around Bir.
- Sunset from the landing site.
- Day hikes above Billing for those with more time.
Bir combines well with Dharamshala and Palampur; see how to reach Dharamshala from Delhi and where else to paraglide in Himachal.
Check before you go
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism — adventure activity notices and registered operators.
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables and fares.
Plan a Bir Billing trip
Tell us your dates and group size and we will arrange transport, a stay in Bir and a flight slot with a registered operator. Plan my Bir Billing trip.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the paragliding flight at Bir Billing?
A standard tandem flight is about 15–20 minutes. Longer flights are available at a higher price when conditions allow.
Is paragliding in Bir Billing open in the monsoon?
Generally no. Flying is usually suspended from about July to mid-September.
Do I need experience to fly tandem?
No. A trained pilot controls the glider; you follow the take-off and landing instructions.
How far is Billing from Bir?
About 13–14 km by road, climbing roughly 1,000 m.
How many days are enough for Bir?
Two days works; three gives you a spare morning if the weather cancels a flight.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a planning guide, not a first-hand trip report; distances, fees, rules and timetables change and sources differ, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
