INTRODUCTION –
Located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Bir is known to be the best paragliding site in India. It also offers a rich bucket of hiking trails, waterfalls and camping spots. It is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh if one is looking for a long weekend getaway. A beautiful mountain town bulging with youngness of people, cafes with aesthetic views and a pleasant landscape which is naturally very beautiful, makes Bir a famous attraction among tourists. The population comprises mainly comprising of Indians and Tibetans. A huge number of adventure enthusiasts visit from time to time. Besides, there are as many as 7 to 8 monasteries which draw the attention of the people.
BEST TIME TO VISIT AND WEATHER CONDITIONS OF BIR –
Seven out of twelve months of the year offers a pleasant climate to visit Bir. The monsoon months come with a wide bloom of greenery but usually paragliding is not allowed during these months because of the unpredictable weather conditions and heavy winds and unprecedented heavy rains. The summers are pleasant and the winters experience a bit of snowfall. The autumn season which covers the months of September to November are the best months to visit Bir. The day-to-day temperature varies from 7 degree centigrade to 33 degree centigrade on an average, thus giving the day a perfect balance of warmness and coldness.
HOW TO REACH BIR –
If we make Delhi the starting point, because most of the tourists start their journey from the capital city, then Bir is a very comfortable overnight bus journey. Travelling via air and trains is not advisable since it is very inconvenient to reach there. One can board a bus from Majnu ka Tila in North Delhi and the Kashmere Gate Bus Stand. The cost of tickets ranges from INR 1200 to 1500 depending upon the type of buses (AC/Non-AC) and the season in which people are visiting.
HOW TO EXPLORE BIR –
The best way to roam around Bir is by renting bicycles or two-wheleers. Bicycles are charged at INR 100 per hour and two-wheelers at INR 1000-1400 per day. Taxis are also abundantly available and is a feasible choice for those travelling in groups.
PARAGLIDING AND HAND GLIDING IN BIR –
Paragliding in Bir Billing usually is a 25-minute affair and it offers a mesmerizing view of the pine forests, grasslands, and the rugged Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. The cost of paragliding ranges from INR 1800 to 2400 approximately and varies according to seasons. Booking a time slot and paying a minimum token amount is the only thing one has to do to proceed to a thrilling drive to Billing, from where one glides down to Bir’s famous landing site. Sunrises and sunsets are the best time for paragliding. Hand gliding is yet another unique and lesser-known sport conducted in Bir.
PLACES TO EXPLORE IN BIR –
Besides the experience of an amazing paragliding, there are also places one should explore in Bir. There a a few monasteries which attracts tourists to a large extent. The Tsering Jong Monastery is one of them which is spread across a vast area embellished with gorgeous flower plants, bundles of lush trees, and utterly tranquil milieus. The Nyinggyang Monastery is another place to visit which offers a warm welcome to tourists. Also the momos outside the monastery is worth the taste. Alongside these two popular monasteries there is the Chokling Monastery, the Sherabling Monastery, to name a few. People who love sunsets should also visit the landing site. Almost every people of the village gathers at the landing site to watch the sunset. It is also an amazing site for stargazing.
THINGS TO DO IN BIR AND BILLING –
Treks are an immense attraction of Bir. A trek to the Rajgundha valley offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire valley of Rajgundha. A hike to the Keori village is also recommended, it is a casual walk through lots of greens. Hikes to Gunehar River Pool, the Hidden Waterfall are also worth visiting. Billing, which falls just a little North of Bir can be reached by a one hour adventurous ride through rugged roads and forests of long pines. Billing is more attractive as a destination than Bir. People often go camping in this wonderful place. However one should carry warm clothes as the nights are extremely cold.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN BIR –
People who love to explore new cafes with aesthetic views can visit to Avva’s which serve delicious South Indian food. Other places include Musafir Cafe, Nyingma Kitchen, Northern Cafe, June 16 Cafe, to name a few.
CONCLUSION –
Bir and Billing is a short yet fun getaway for people who loves adventure and to be around nature. It is an escape to a peaceful hillstation and is an ideal destination to experience the Tibetan culture.
