When you're planning an adventure in India, consider one of the most famous activities in the Northern region. Paragliding in Bir Billing has become one of the most sought-after activities for vacationers today. Explore the details surrounding this bucket-list item right now for an unforgettable experience in the future.
Learning about paragliding
Paragliding is an activity where you're essentially flying with a nylon canopy as your wings. In short, you sit in a seat with the canopy connected to several line sets. These lines give you control over the canopy's shape, which steers and slows the ride as necessary.
To become airborne, you must start at the top of a hill. With the wind or thermal caught in the canopy, carefully move forward as it lifts you into the air. Depending on the wind and temperature, you might glide for 15 to 30 minutes.
With the proper company setting up your paraglider, this activity is entirely safe. Naturally, Bir Billing is an ideal location for catching the perfect breeze. Unless there's rain in the forecast, paragliding is almost a year-round experience.
Understanding why Bir Billing is ideal for paragliding
Undoubtedly, paragliding requires a lot of space for taking off and landing. Bir Billing is lucky to have the hilly geography for this activity. Along the hillside, steady breezes allow you to catch the air without too much effort. Preferably, these breezes should remain between 2 to 15 miles per hour. Down below, you have a large site for safe landing, too.
Also, taking off among the clouds isn't ideal for paragliding. This area, however, has a cloud base that remains high enough for taking off in safe conditions. As a result, you can take off with a clear view of the valley below. Certainly, visibility during paragliding is critical for proper steering and landing.
Choosing a paragliding company
Because of its popularity, paragliding is an activity offered by several different operators. Ideally, research your desired company before you book an experience. Quality operators usually have many online reviews, which give you an idea of their services. Look for an operator that provides instructions along with tandem or single-rider options.
Also, a clever way to narrow down your choices is by choosing an operator with long-term courses. These operators provide extensive classes for locals and visitors who want to immerse themselves in this activity. Because they offer classes, these operators will have the knowledge and safety measures in place for a safe flight.
Best time to visit for paragliding
The best time to visit Bir Billing for paragliding is during the spring and fall. From March until May and October through November, ideal conditions exist at the paragliding sites. The reason for these specific periods is the plentiful thermals.
Thermals are the warm updrafts of air that provide support for your paragliding canopy. As the sun heats the hillside, warm air floats upward from the ground. This air becomes the lift you need to stay airborne.
During the monsoons in July and August, however, there's too much moisture in the air for a proper flight. In contrast, the winter doesn't develop enough heat for the thermal lift either. Ideally, plan your itinerary when nature's thermals are as strong as possible.
How to reach Bir Billing
Bir Billing is a small, rural community, but it has plenty of transportation options. Typically, most visitors travel from a large city, such as Delhi, and commute into this area. First, you might take a train to Pathankot in Punjab. Here, simply take a bus into Bir Billing.
Alternatively, some travelers opt for a sleeper van between Delhi and Bir Billing. These trips take around 12 hours, but you can take an overnight ride so that you can sleep the entire time and arrive ready to explore.
Preparing for the paragliding
Before you arrive at the paragliding site, eat a light meal with plenty of water. Choose lightweight clothing that covers the legs and arms. When you take flight, protecting the skin from the cold air and bright sunlight is critical for your comfort. Also, wearing protective eyewear is highly recommended.
In addition, each paragliding company has slightly different rules for age and weight restrictions. Generally, you must be at least 15 years old to paraglide. Your weight must also fall between 66 and 200 pounds. At the paragliding site, listen to all the safety instructions and follow the guidelines throughout your experience. Overall, you'll have a safe flight when you adhere to these best practices.
Vacationing in Bir Billing
Enjoy paragliding in Bir Billing with an extended stay at any of the local hotels. Luckily, there's lodging for nearly any budget. For budget-conscious visitors, hostels are available with a reservation. Alternatively, long-term rentals might be better solutions for travelers who want to stay for several weeks at a time. Of course, luxurious accommodations are also available for those visitors looking to splurge.
For a bundled vacation, ask your paragliding operator about including lodging with the activity's reservation. In many cases, the operator has ties with local businesses to make a good deal for your stay. If your operator doesn't have this service, they can always refer you to one of their trusted lodging owners.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paraglider, Bir Billing is a safe location to practice this pastime. Ideally, plan your itinerary for the best reservation, weather and price. Ultimately, flying 8,000 feet above sea level is an experience that's only found in Bir Billing.
