The Ultimate Bir Itinerary: Things To Do In India's Paragliding Capital

Once you reach Bir, instead of jumping straight into the adventurous activities, I recommend taking a moment to rest, explore, and see what the vibrant streets have to offer. When I got there, I headed straight to a rooftop to soak in the 360° panoramic view of the entire village. Looking up at the sky and seeing all the paragliding wings, I couldn’t help but think, “I’ll be up there soon!”

If you’re not in the mood to rest, head straight to the Bir Tea Factory, about 10-15 minutes from the landing site. You’ll see local women hard at work, handpicking tea leaves, withering, sorting, and packaging them. It’s a fascinating way to experience their authentic tea-making process, and you can even shop for freshly-made tea leaves and tea bags.

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

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Established in 1960 and located in the Tibetan Colony, Chokling Monastery is one of the oldest and most iconic attractions in Bir. Painted in bright, vibrant hues, the monastery houses a magnificent statue of Padmasambhava. From here, you can also enjoy breathtaking, unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains.

Timings: 6 AM - 7 PM

Just a short walk from Chokling Monastery is the Deer Park Institute, a hub for exploring classical Indian wisdom traditions and Buddhist philosophy. The institute offers a variety of programs, ranging from calligraphy workshops to Zen meditation sessions. To know more, you can check out their website here. 

Timings: 9 AM - 12 PM,  2 PM - 6 PM, closed on Sundays

When in Bir, paragliding is an absolute must-do, you just can’t leave without ticking it off your bucket list. Bir has the world’s second-largest paragliding site, soaring at an altitude of 8,200 feet above sea level. It’s one of those adventures where excitement easily outweighs fear. Once your feet leave the ground, you’ll glide effortlessly for about 15 minutes, soaking in breathtaking views all around. I booked through Team Bir Billing and had an amazing experience. Please save it for the sunset, because the sight of the sun setting right in front of you painting different hues in the sky is something you will remember forever.

The entire experience takes about 1-1.5 hours. It begins with the team picking you up, taking you to their office to sign an indemnity bond, and then driving you to Billing, the take-off point. You’ll land back at the Bir landing site. Your pilot might offer to perform stunts for an extra INR 500, but keep in mind that paragliding stunts are not officially legal in Bir, so proceed at your own risk.

Price: INR 2,000 - INR 3,000 (usually includes pick-up, drop-off, and GoPro videos) 

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM (The last slot is mostly 4 PM)

LBB Tip: Avoid heavy meals before paragliding, as it can make you feel nauseous. Once you’re back at the landing site, treat yourself to a meal at one of the many charming cafes nearby.

I highly recommend dedicating a morning to immersing yourself in Tibetan culture. One of the best ways to do this is by attending the morning prayers with the lamas at Sherabling Monastery, held daily from 10:30 AM to 11 AM. The time you reach there, you will be greeted by a cute and huge pahadi dog named Tiger. Well, wherever you go in Bir, from cafes to exploration spots, you're going to find a pet pahadi dog, which was easily one of my favourite parts of the trip. Once you enter the prayer hall, you can sit with a monk and ask as many questions as you want related to their culture, what they do, and literally anything you believe merits a response. 

Timings: 9 AM - 4 PM

LBB Tip: Sherabling Monastery also has a store where you can find many Tibetan-inspired items, including clothes, perfumes, keychains, and wall decor. 

Another good thing about Bir is that you can find many trails leading to hidden waterfalls in and around the region. One of the most popular waterfalls in Bir is Gunehar Waterfall. You’ll need a guide for this trek, which will cost around INR 300 per person (trust me, you’re going to need one). The entire experience, from hiking to the waterfall, jumping from one stone to another to reach it, taking a Maggi break on the way back, and enjoying the scenic route throughout, is a journey worth taking.

It’s best to do this in the afternoon so that by the time you return, you can witness a beautiful sunset from up above.

Wherever you go in the mountains, cafe hopping is a must. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the cosy, laid-back atmosphere. Some cafes even offer an authentic Himalayan experience. Apart from the numerous stalls offering laphing, momo, and thukpa, here are some impeccable eateries I dined at, where you can go without a second thought:

- Pahadee Coffee Roasters: One of the most spacious cafes in Bir, where you’ll want to return again and again for a perfect cup of coffee. They grind their own beans and prepare coffee in different ways, like moka pot and French press. You can check their website to shop online. 

- Ava Cafe: I had one of the best South Indian meals here. It's a three-floored cafe which I visited twice for lunch, that's how amazing their masala dosa tastes. 

- Bhoomi Bakery: You would want to save this for breakfast for some delicious carrot or marble pound cake to start your day with a little sugar rush (something a nutritionist won't recommend but I do). The place is beautifully decorated with distinctive art, a saregama caravan, and a range of books. 

- Cafe Roam Wild: If you are visiting Bir during colder months, I'd suggest having hot chocolate here. It's thick, sweet, and utterly delicious. The low floor, basic, and swinging chair seating options along with the games available make it a must-visit!

- Silver Linings: Right in front of the Ava Cafe is Silver Linings which you can try out for fluffy pancakes, coffee, and sandwiches. They have garden seating available where you can eat while looking at the mountain range all around. 

- Cafe Ilaka: Near the paragliding landing site, Ilaka is a great spot for wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and tandoori snacks. You can even book a stay through them.

Located in the Kangra District, Baijnath Temple is steeped in religious history, making it one of the most popular attractions in Bir. Built in the early 13th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and you’ll feel a positive aura the entire time you’re there. Behind the temple, you’ll find Shree Khir Ganga Ghat, which is accessible via stairs connected to the temple. Attending the aarti here, accompanied by the sound of bells, chants, and the shankha, is nothing short of magical.

LBB Tip: When in Baijnath Temple, do eat their delicious langar!

Once you’ve taken blessings at the temple, head straight to Macchial Lake, just a 40-minute drive away. The journey is incredibly scenic, taking you through mountains and tall trees, and if you're lucky, you might spot a horse or some other wildlife along the way. As the name suggests, Macchial Lake is full of macchis/fish that swim in the clean, aqua-blue water. There are blocks of rocks where you can sit and bridges that add to its attraction. 

By now, you’ve covered all the top attractions Bir has to offer, but if you're planning to stay another day or want to make your last night memorable, I suggest camping. Urban cities like Delhi have taken away stargazing from city people, thanks to all the air pollution, but the mountains are still there to remind us that stars still exist. There are plenty of camping sites in Bir where you can have an unforgettable night and enjoy an ultimate camping experience.

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