Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district is India’s best known paragliding site. Himachal Tourism calls it one of the best paragliding sites anywhere in the world, and it has hosted the Paragliding World Cup and other international events. You take off from the hill at Billing and land on the terraced fields at Bir. Most visitors fly tandem with a trained pilot, so you need no experience. Flying stops for the monsoon: in 2026 the district ordered a ban from 15 July to 15 September. No official tariff is published for tandem flights, so the price depends on the operator and the length of the flight.
Know before you go
- Where: Billing take-off and Bir landing, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
- Flying types: tandem with a pilot for beginners, and solo for trained pilots.
- Monsoon ban (2026): 15 July to 15 September, as reported.
- Price: no official tariff. Compare registered operators.
- Courses: Himachal Tourism runs paragliding training at Bir and Dharamsala.
- Solo pilots: stricter rules since 28 October 2026, as reported.
- Last checked: 3 November 2026.
In this Article
How Bir Billing paragliding works
Billing is a ridge high above Bir, reached by a winding road. Himachal Tourism explains that the hills at Billing produce strong thermals, which with moderate winds make for a good take-off. Pilots launch from the open slopes at the top and glide down over forests and villages to the landing field at Bir.
There are two ways to fly. In a tandem flight, a trained pilot flies the glider and you are clipped in at the front, so you do not need any training. Solo flying is for trained pilots who fly their own wings. Most first time visitors book a tandem flight.
Paragliding season and when to fly
Flying depends on weather, and the operators and the local administration stop it when conditions are unsafe. The broad pattern is as follows.
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Mid September to November | Flying resumes after the monsoon. Autumn is a popular time to fly. |
| December to February | Flying on clear days, with cold mornings. |
| March to June | Spring and early summer flying, before the rains. |
| 15 July to 15 September (2026) | Paragliding banned for the monsoon, as reported. |
In 2026, The Tribune reported that the authorities told all registered paragliding associations and operators to withdraw their pilots and stop flying from 15 July until 15 September. The 2027 dates have not been announced, but plan around a similar break in the monsoon months.
Even in season, flights can be called off for strong winds, rain or low cloud. Keep a spare day in your plan in case your slot is cancelled.
Bir Billing paragliding price
Himachal Tourism does not publish a fixed price for tandem flights, and rates differ between operators. When you compare quotes, check what is included:
- whether the price is for a short joyride or a longer flight
- transport from Bir up to the Billing take-off
- photos or video from a camera on the pilot’s hand or helmet
- what happens if your flight is cancelled for weather
A longer flight usually costs more. Rates tend to rise on busy weekends and holidays, so ask for the final price in writing before you pay.
Paragliding course fees
Himachal Tourism says it conducts paragliding training programmes at Bir and at Dharamsala. Private schools in Bir also run beginner courses. Fees and course length vary, so ask the school for the syllabus, the number of flying days and the certificate you get at the end.
Safety rules and how to choose an operator
Paragliding is risky. Himachal Tourism itself describes the sport as dangerous unless done under strict supervision. In late October 2026, solo flying at Bir Billing was briefly suspended after a fatal crash and other accidents. Hindustan Times reported that solo flights resumed on 28 October under an order from the Baijnath administration. That order requires solo pilots to hold valid flying credentials, complete registration and carry safety equipment, including live tracking devices. Visiting pilots must also carry insurance that covers paragliding accidents and search and rescue. Authorised marshals at the site check pilots and stop flying when the weather turns.
For a tandem flight, a few checks help:
- Ask whether the operator and pilot are registered with the state tourism department.
- Ask about insurance for the passenger.
- Check that you get a helmet and a proper harness, and that the pilot explains take-off and landing.
- Do not fly if the pilot is rushing you or the weather looks poor.
- Tell the pilot about any back, neck or heart problems before you fly.
Wear closed shoes with grip, trousers and a warm layer, since it is colder at the take-off than in Bir.
How to book
You can book a tandem flight through an operator in Bir on arrival or in advance. Booking ahead is wiser on weekends and holidays. Confirm the reporting time, the meeting point in Bir and the cancellation terms. Many operators give a time slot in the late morning or afternoon, depending on the thermals, and the drive up to Billing is usually arranged by them.
How to reach Bir Billing
Bir is in the Kangra valley, east of Dharamsala and Palampur. The nearest airport is Kangra at Gaggal, and the narrow gauge Kangra valley railway runs near the area. Most visitors arrive by road from Delhi or Chandigarh, or combine Bir with Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj. Our McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala guide covers that side of the valley.
If you are touring Himachal more widely, our Shimla Manali itinerary shows a six day route. Manali’s Solang valley, which Himachal Tourism also lists for paragliding, is covered in our Manali guide.
What else to do in Bir
Bir has a Tibetan settlement with monasteries, among them Chokling Monastery, and cafes popular with pilots and backpackers. The tea gardens of the Kangra valley are a short drive away. On days when flying is cancelled, a walk through the monastery area and the village makes for an easy day.
FAQ
What is the Bir Billing paragliding cost per person?
No official rate is published. The price depends on the operator, the length of the flight and whether photos and transport are included. Get a written quote before you pay.
When is Bir Billing paragliding closed?
Flying stops for the monsoon. In 2026 the ban ran from 15 July to 15 September. Flights are also cancelled on days with strong winds, rain or low cloud.
Can a beginner go paragliding at Bir Billing?
Yes. Beginners fly tandem with a trained pilot and need no experience. If you want to fly solo, you need to complete a course first.
Where can I learn paragliding in Bir?
Himachal Tourism runs training programmes at Bir and Dharamsala, and private schools in Bir offer beginner courses.
Official resources: Himachal Tourism: Paragliding; news reports: The Tribune on the 2026 monsoon ban, Hindustan Times on solo flying rules, October 2026
Photo credits
Featured image: Panchkaranvarun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0; How Bir Billing paragliding works: Tanvi.sharmaaa / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0; Paragliding season and when to fly: Original: PanWoyteczekDerivative work: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Paragliding course fees: Okorok / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; Safety rules and how to choose an operator: Tanvi.sharmaaa / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0; How to book: PulkitPithvaWiki / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; How to reach Bir Billing: PulkitPithvaWiki / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; What else to do in Bir: Gannu03 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; What else to do in Bir: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
