Short answer: Two nights in McLeod Ganj cover the Tibetan quarter and the Kangra Fort side; then drive east through Chamunda and Palampur to Bir for two nights, with a tandem paragliding flight and a slow village day.
The plan at a glance
| Day | Route | Night at |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive; McLeod Ganj and Bhagsu | McLeod Ganj |
| 2 | Norbulingka and Kangra Fort | McLeod Ganj |
| 3 | Chamunda, Palampur, Bir | Bir |
| 4 | Paragliding; Bir village; depart | Overnight bus home |
Who this plan suits
Couples and friends who want one active highlight and otherwise easy days.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive; McLeod Ganj and Bhagsu
- Temple complex, market, Bhagsu waterfall.
- Sunset at Naddi.
Day 2: Norbulingka and Kangra Fort
- Norbulingka Institute and the stadium.
- Kangra Fort after lunch.
- Back up for dinner.
Day 3: Chamunda, Palampur, Bir
- Chamunda Devi temple.
- Tea gardens and lunch in Palampur, about 35 km from Dharamshala.
- Reach Bir; evening at the landing ground.
Day 4: Paragliding; Bir village; depart
- Morning tandem flight from Billing.
- Monasteries and the Tibetan colony.
- Evening bus.
Best time for this trip
March to June and October to November, when both the views and the flying are most reliable.
Practical notes
- Have a fallback morning for the flight if you can extend by a night.
- Prices for flights vary by season and operator; get the rate in writing.
- Palampur is cooler than you expect in the evening; carry a layer.
- Start each day by 8 am; hill traffic and afternoon cloud both build later.
What it costs
We do not publish a fixed price: the cost depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the standard of stays. Tell us those and we will send a written quote that states exactly what is included.
Read more
- Bir Billing travel and paragliding guide
- Bir Billing 3-day itinerary
- Day trips around Dharamshala
- Things to do in McLeod Ganj
Check before you go
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism — official destination information.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables.
Want this itinerary planned for you?
Funtoor can adapt this plan to your dates, pace and starting city, and arrange transport and stays. Request a custom itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is four days enough for Dharamshala and Bir?
Yes, without Triund. Add a day if you want the hike.
Which is better to stay in, Palampur or Bir?
Bir, if paragliding is the aim; Palampur for tea-garden stays.
Is the drive difficult?
No. It is a valley road with hill sections, about two hours in all.
Can I start in Bir instead?
Yes; the route works in either direction.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a sample plan, not a first-hand trip report or a fixed package: driving times are approximate, and rules, fees and road status change, 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.
