Bir Billing is one of the world's top paragliding destinations, but there's plenty more to explore on the ground.
Paragliding
The Billing launch site at 2,400 metres is the heart of the operation. Tandem flights are available for anyone — no experience needed — and the views from the meadow are worth the hour-long cab ride even if you never leave the ground. The flying season peaks from October through November.
Monasteries and spiritual sites
Sherab Ling monastery in the pine forest between Bir and Baijnath is the largest and most impressive, with its golden Maitreya and line of stupas. The Deer Park Institute in the Tibetan Colony runs seminars on Buddhist philosophy and Indian wisdom traditions. Several smaller gompa are scattered through the colony and easy to visit on foot.
Baijnath temple
The Baijnath Shiva temple dates to 1204 CE and is one of the finest examples of medieval Nagara temple architecture in Himachal Pradesh. It's 16 km from Bir by road, or a longer but beautiful walk via the Sherab Ling stupa trail.
Tea gardens
The Bir Tea Factory offers informal tours during processing season and sells Kangra first-flush tea at factory prices. The tea gardens on the lower Dhauladhar slopes make for a gentle walk at any time of year.
Upper Bir
The river above the main village has natural pools for swimming in summer. Follow the main road uphill and then drop down toward the water — a popular afternoon escape from the valley heat.