Nestled in the eastern side of Kangra Valley is the charming little village called Bir. The paragliding capital of India, Bir boasts of pristine landscapes, pleasant weather, and snow-capped hills in winter. Thanks to all of this, it makes for an amazing travel destination for both solo trippers and group travellers alike.
Are you planning a trip to Bir? Here’s an ultimate travel guide that can help you get around the town like a local. Thank us later!
Travel on your mind?
Book FlightsHow to Reach
By Road: Bir has good road connectivity with multiple cities, including Delhi and Chandigarh. If you’re travelling from Delhi, you can take a bus from either Kashmere Gate or Majnu ka Tila. It’s best to book the bus ticket online to avoid any hassles later.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Pathankot. You can take the toy train from Pathankot to Ahju Railway Station, which is just three kilometres from Bir.
By Air: The nearest airport is Kangra Airport or Dharamshala Airport in Gaggal. It is about 65 kms from Bir and you can take either a bus or a taxi to the destination.
Best Time to Visit
Although Bir is known for its pleasant weather all year round, the best time to visit is from October to June. If rain doesn’t dampen your travel spirit, you can also go during the monsoons when there is less crowd.
Pro tip: Once you arrive in Bir, rent a two-wheeler or a bicycle so you can easily explore the nearby areas.
Rent for two-wheelers: Rs. 600–700 for 24 hours.
Things to Do in Bir
Go for Paragliding
Bir is a haven for paragliding enthusiasts. There are always colourful paragliders in the sky, especially in the evening when the sun sets. In the 15-20 minutes of flight time, you’ll get to witness the breathtaking Himalayan mountains, clouds and greenery, making your time in the air seem surreal.
Cost: Rs. 3000
Witness the Sunsets
When in Bir, ending your day by witnessing the sun go down is a ritual you cannot miss out on. Due to the geographical landscape, each sunset is different from the others. You can just sit by a cafe near the landing site, listen to some indie tunes and watch the magic unfold.
Explore the Bir Waterfalls
Bir has many beautiful waterfalls only if you know where to look. Some amazing waterfalls to visit include Bangoru Waterfall, Khopcha Waterfall, and Dakshina Kali Ashram Pools. Brace yourself to get drenched here and to let loose because you know what they say, you only live once! 😀
Visit the Monasteries
Bir is home to some magnificent monasteries, the glorious architecture of which will most probably leave you spellbound. You can learn about Buddhist philosophies and teachings from the maroon robe-clad monks here. Experience the peaceful side of Bir by visiting some of the popular monasteries like –
- Choukling Monastery
- Nyingyang Monastery
- Bhumang Jampaling Monastery
- Palpung Sherabling Monastery
Revel in the Beauty of Barot Valley
About 50 km away from Bir Billing lies the gorgeous Barot Valley. It is known as the trekker’s paradise. You can camp by the river here and wake up in the morning to a serene view of the mountains. The valley will mesmerise you with its beauty and make you never want to leave.
Go, Cafe Hopping
This one’s for all the foodies in the house. Bir is known for its quaint, little cafes and the delectable food that they serve. No matter which cafe you enter, you are never going to come out disappointed. Each place has its own speciality, so it’s best to ask the server for recommendations before placing an order. Here are our top picks for cafes in Bir –
- Charlie’s Cafe
- Avva Cafe
- Ara Cafe
- Silver Linings Cafe (Must try: Banoffee pie)
- June 16 Cafe
Where to Stay?
Whether you are on a trip with your friends or solo, the hostels in Bir are the best place to stay. They are affordable and you always get to meet new people there (unless you are an introvert, obviously :P). Some properties to try out are Barefoot Bir, Whoopers Hostel, Little Bir Hostel, Zostel Plus and goSTOPS.
The many hotels and resorts in Bir should ensure a comfortable stay for those travelling with family.
So, when are you planning a vacation to Bir? We wish you a happy and safe trip!
For more such travel stories, stay tuned to ixigo.
