The land of Himachal Pradesh is most suitable for adventure activities. Then be it Skiing, Mountaineering, Camping, White Water Rafting, Trekking or Jeep Safari, Himachal is ready to pamper you like anything. But among all the adventure sports, which has attracted the attention of most of the adventure lovers across the world is Para Gliding.Bir-Billing, in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, been a most favourable venue for conducting International Paragliding competitions in India since 2002. Located at an altitude of 2,290 meters above mean sea level, Billing is the take off site whereas Bir with an altitude of 1,400 meters serves as landing site. Bir, which is at a distance of about 14 km from Billing, is a small and beautiful village located amid the green tree gardens and habitated by Tibetans. Situated in the Dhauladhar mountain range and regarded amongst the best gliding sites in the world, it also got an opportunity to conduct Pre-World Cup competition of Paragliding in 2008. A total of 80 pilots from various countries participated in the competition, out of which 14 were women.
Bir-Billing offers an opportunity to the fliers to fly upto 180 kms. The sport is based on the prevailing weather conditions and if the weather is favourable, considering wind speed and direction, one can make a cross country and landing either in Dharamshala or Manali. Other than Paragliding, Hang Gliding and Para Sailing can also be enjoyed here. The annual Hang Gliding Rally is organised, by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, every year in the month of May at Bir-Billing.
Aero Sports Complex at Bir and Adventure Sports Hostel at Dharamshala conducts training courses every year for freshers as well as trained pilots. Bir is located at a distance of 12 km from Baijnath and 70 km from Dharamshala. The best season to visit Bir-Billing is from March to May and from September to November.
Get detailed information about Gliding in India here.
