Introduction:
Bir Billing, a beautiful mountain town located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is known to be the best paragliding site in India. Billing, located a little North of Bir, is more attractive as a destination than Bir. It is well known for camping. So as a whole, these two towns offer a rich bucket of hiking trails, waterfalls, and camping spots. These are the best places to visit Himachal Pradesh for a long weekend getaway.
Camping In Bir Billing:
The best time for camping is from April to June as the weather is quite pleasant compared to the cold wintry days, which experience harsh temperatures. Bir Billing is one of the best options for Indian travelers to unwind and relax. There are several camping sites, some of which are worth the experience. Here, I shall present a list of a few best-camping sites in Bir Billing:
Camp Oak View:
It is one of the most attractive and prominent camps in Bir Billing, which offers excellent tents with a wide range of facilities. Besides cozy and comfortable tents, one can also enjoy various activities with distinct packages. The camp’s location is worth mentioning- surrounded by Oak trees and beautiful views. The price for camping here is INR 2400 onwards.
Tatva Bir Tents and Hotels:
It offers nine state-of-the-art luxury tents comprising six pool and mountain view rooms. It has a scenic location and a whole lot of adventure activities. It is located in the Kangra Valley and costs INR 4,000 onwards.
The Blue Camp, Barot:
This camp area offers pleasant weather all around the year with breathtaking views. The beautiful wooden houses and green mountains offer endless peace. It is situated at an altitude of 8,000 feet, and the luxury tents provide a comfortable and convenient stay. They also arrange bonfires which are a delightful experience. The visit costs approximately INR 5,500.
Apart from these, several other camping sites would provide a beautiful and mesmerizing experience. Bir Billing is thus the ideal camping spot that brings humans close to nature. Travelers get a wide range of camping sites to choose; therefore, selecting a location based on the amenities becomes very convenient. One should carry warm clothes as the nights are freezing.
Trekking In Billing:
Bir is the starting point for a lot of trek and hike routes. The hike from Bir to Billing itself offers beautiful views of pine forests, mountain summits, and the Dhauladhar range.
Few of the hiking routes include:
- Billing-Rajgundha-Barot – This is an easy trek. One can camp for a night in Rajgundha or trek further to Barot. A walk to the Rajgundha valley offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire valley of Rajgundha.
- Chota Bangal and Bada Bangal: This one is a moderate yet adventurous trek.
- Prashar Lake is a mysterious lake in the middle of the Himalayas, located east of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. An island floats within it, and the trek offers mesmerizing views of the Dhauladhar range.
- Hike from Bangoru Waterfall – It is located at a distance of 4.5 km from the Tibetan Colony. It is an easy hike. This spot is lesser-known and is ideal for picnics.
- A hike to the Keori village is also recommended as it is a casual walk through lots of greens.
Paragliding In Bir Billing:
Bir Billing is India’s Paragliding Capital and Asia’s second-best paragliding site. The paragliding sport launches from Billing and glides down to the landing site at Bir. Paragliding is not allowed during the monsoons due to harsh weather conditions, heavy winds, and unprecedented heavy rains. Bir offers the best paragliding experience in the subcontinent.
Paragliding in Bir Billing is usually a 25-minute affair that offers a mesmerizing view of the pine forests, grasslands, and the rugged Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. Paragliding costs range from INR 1800 to 2400 and vary according to season. Booking a time slot and paying a minimum token amount is the only thing one has to do to proceed on a thrilling drive to Billing, from where one glides down to Bir’s famous landing site. Sunrises and sunsets are the best time for paragliding. Hang gliding is yet another unique and lesser-known sport conducted in Bir.
This constitutes the guide for first-time travelers, and needless to say, they would have a fantastic time at Bir Billing.
Chloe Harmon
