Bir-Billing, Himachal Pradesh, often called the Paragliding Capital of India, will reopen for paragliding activities from September 16, 2025, after a two-month seasonal ban. The district administration had suspended all flights in early July with the onset of the monsoon, following its standard safety protocol to prevent mishaps caused by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and frequent landslides.
Officials confirmed that new safety guidelines have been notified and preparations are underway to restore the site for flying. At Billing, the main take-off point, teams were clearing thick overgrowth of wild grass that had covered the slope.
The Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department has also been engaged in repairing the 14-kilometre road connecting Bir and Billing, which was damaged by landslides, falling debris, and uprooted trees during the monsoon.
Baijnath Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sankalap Gautam confirmed that both solo and tandem paragliding flights will restart from September 16, subject to weather clearance. During the main flying season, an estimated 200 pilots take off daily from Billing and land at Chogan in Bir, the designated landing site.
Local taxi drivers, guides, and homestay operators have welcomed the announcement, noting that the two-month ban left many businesses in Bir with low footfall.
Paragliding at Bir-Billing is regarded as one of the best adventure sports experiences in India, drawing international pilots and tourists each year. The site combines favourable geography with reliable wind conditions.
Billing, the launch site, is located at 8,000 feet (2,438 metres), while Bir, the landing site, lies at 4,500 feet (1,372 metres), creating ideal thermal currents for long-duration flights. This topographic advantage has helped Bir-Billing secure a place among the world’s leading paragliding destinations, alongside hosting the Paragliding World Cup in 2024.
Beyond paragliding, Bir-Billing is also known for eco-tourism, meditation centres, and Tibetan culture, making it a multi-interest destination for visitors. Travellers often combine flying with short treks, monastery visits, and village walks, adding to the list of things to do in Bir-Billing.
For tourists planning a trip, the best time to visit Bir-Billing for paragliding is from mid-September to June, with October and November considered peak months.
The annual monsoon break in July and August ensures safety but also resets the site for the next flying season. With operations resuming, Bir-Billing is expected to once again attract adventure seekers, solo pilots, and travellers looking for one of the top paragliding experiences in Himachal Pradesh.
FAQs
1. Is paragliding safe in Bir-Billing?
Yes. Paragliding in Bir-Billing is regulated by the district administration, with safety guidelines issued each season. Flights are suspended during the monsoon to reduce risk from weather hazards.
2. What is the cost of paragliding in Bir-Billing?
As of 2025, tandem flights typically range between ₹3,000 and ₹4,500 per person, depending on flight duration and operator. Prices may vary seasonally.
3. How to reach Bir-Billing?
Bir is connected by road to Palampur, Dharamshala, and Mandi. The nearest railway station is Ahju (3 km away) on the narrow-gauge line, while the closest airport is Kangra/Gaggal Airport (68 km away). From Bir, Billing is accessible via a 14-kilometre road or by hired taxi/jeep.
4. What is the best time for paragliding in Bir-Billing?
The flying season runs from mid-September to June. Post-monsoon months, especially October and November, are considered the best due to stable weather and clear skies.
5. What else can tourists do in Bir-Billing apart from paragliding?
Visitors often explore Tibetan monasteries, eco-tourism projects, meditation centres, and village walks. Short treks around the valley and local cafés add to the list of things to do.
