Bir Billing paragliding is a bucket-list experience for many Americans. Bir Billing in the Kangra valley is one of the world’s top paragliding sites and hosted the Paragliding World Cup in 2015. This guide covers prices, safety, operators, seasons and practical details.
Bir Billing paragliding essentials
1. Choosing an operator
Fly only with operators registered with the Himachal Pradesh tourism department. Ask to see the pilot’s licence, the age and condition of the wing and harness, and whether a reserve parachute is carried. Your hotel can recommend established companies. Read our Bir Billing guide.
- Getting there: about 11–12 hours from Delhi; taxi from Dharamshala or Palampur; buses to Baijnath, then taxi.
- Best time: October to mid-November and March to June (flying usually pauses in the monsoon)
- Don’t miss: Tandem paragliding, Chokling Monastery, Tibetan colony
- Where to stay: boutique guesthouses, camps (mid-range from ₹3,000 (about US$32) a night)
- Time needed: 2–3 days
2. Tandem flight prices
A standard tandem flight of about 15–30 minutes costs roughly ₹2,500–3,500 (about US$26–37), including transfer to the Billing take-off. Longer cross-country flights, video packages and GoPro footage cost extra.
3. What the flight is like
You take off from Billing at about 2,400 m with a short run downhill, then glide over forests and villages with the Dhauladhar range behind you before landing in Bir at about 1,400 m. Most people find it calm rather than frightening.
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4. Best season
The best flying is from October to mid-November and from March to June. Flying usually stops during the monsoon (roughly July to mid-September) for safety.
5. Learning to fly
Several schools offer beginner (P1–P2) courses for those who want to fly solo. Courses take about a week or more and depend on weather.
6. After the flight
Explore the Tibetan colony in Bir, visit Chokling Monastery and relax in one of the cafés.
Safety checklist
- Check the weather: gusty winds and afternoon thermals can be dangerous.
- Wear sturdy shoes, long trousers and a jacket; it is cold at take-off.
- Tell the pilot about any medical conditions.
- Ensure the operator provides a helmet and checks your harness.
- Do not fly if you are unwell or have been drinking.
Insurance
Many standard travel insurance policies exclude paragliding. Before booking, confirm that your policy covers tandem paragliding, or buy an add-on. See our travel insurance guide.
Getting to Bir Billing
Bir is about 65 km from Dharamshala and 35 km from Palampur. The nearest airport is Kangra (Gaggal). From Delhi, overnight buses run to Baijnath or Bir. From the USA, the usual first stop is Delhi. Air India has operated nonstop flights to Delhi from US gateways such as New York (JFK), Newark, Chicago, Washington Dulles and San Francisco, taking roughly 14–17 hours.
Where to stay
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹1,200–2,500 (about US$13–26) | Guesthouses, hostels and simple homestays with basic heating |
| Mid-range | ₹3,000–6,000 (about US$32–63) | Comfortable hotels and boutique homestays, usually with views and room heaters |
| Luxury | ₹8,000–15,000 (about US$84–158) | Resorts and heritage properties with spas, fine dining and concierge service |
Planning your trip from the USA
Air India has operated nonstop flights to Delhi from US gateways such as New York (JFK), Newark, Chicago, Washington Dulles and San Francisco, taking roughly 14–17 hours. Some of those routes have been cut or rerouted because of airspace restrictions, so check the current schedule before you plan around a nonstop. One-stop itineraries are often cheaper and just as practical: via the Gulf (Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi), via Europe (London, Frankfurt, Paris or Amsterdam) or via Istanbul. Door to door, expect 20–26 hours from the East Coast and 22–30 hours from the West Coast. Fares: round-trip economy fares to Delhi often range from about US$900 to US$1,600 depending on season and city, with October–December and May–June among the busiest periods. Read our guide to getting to Himachal from the USA for the full journey.
US citizens need an Indian visa, and most holidaymakers use the e-Tourist Visa, applied for online at least four days before travel; our India visa guide explains the process step by step. Most US health plans, including Medicare, offer little or no cover in India, so buy a policy with medical and evacuation cover (see our travel insurance guide). For cash, cards and UPI, see our money guide, and for staying online, our SIM and internet guide.
What it costs
Typical daily spend per person on the ground, excluding international flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day (INR) | In US dollars | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹2,500–4,000 | US$26–42 | hostel or guesthouse, local food, buses |
| Mid-range | ₹6,000–10,000 | US$63–105 | good hotel, café meals, some taxis |
| Luxury | ₹20,000–45,000 | US$211–474 | 5-star or heritage stay, private car, fine dining |
Prices are converted at about ₹95 to US$1 and rise in peak season (May–June, Christmas and New Year). Our Himachal trip cost guide has a full breakdown.
Travelling responsibly in the Himalaya
Himachal’s mountain communities and ecosystems are fragile. Carry a refillable water bottle (plastic waste is a growing problem on popular trails), stay in locally owned guesthouses and homestays, hire local guides and drivers, and buy crafts directly from makers. Respect village and temple customs, keep noise down at night, and never leave rubbish at campsites or viewpoints. In the monsoon, follow local advice about landslide-prone roads rather than pushing on.
Health and safety basics
Drink bottled, boiled or filtered water, eat freshly cooked food and carry a small medical kit with rehydration salts and motion-sickness tablets for winding roads. Above 3,000 m, gain height gradually and descend if headaches or nausea get worse. The emergency number throughout India is 112. The US State Department rates India at Level 2 (exercise increased caution) for the country as a whole, with stricter advice for some border areas, including Jammu and Kashmir.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does paragliding at Bir cost?
Roughly ₹2,500–3,500 (about US$26–37) for a standard tandem flight.
Is it safe?
With a reputable, licensed operator and good weather, the risk is low, but not zero.
Is there a weight limit?
Usually around 90–100 kg; check with the operator.
Can children fly?
Some operators accept older children with parental consent.
When is the best season?
October to November and March to June.