Tandem Paragliding in Bir Billing — What to Expect

Paraglider Flying Over Bir Billing Valley At Sunset With Himalayan Mountain Views

By BookMyParagliding | Updated: 2025 | 8 min read
📍 Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh, India

 

Have you ever looked up at the sky and imagined what it feels like to fly?

 

At BookMyParagliding, we make that dream come true every single day.

 

Tandem paragliding in Bir Billing is one of the most thrilling, breathtaking, and unforgettable experiences you will ever have in your life. Floating thousands of feet above the Himalayas, with snow-capped peaks all around you and the entire Kangra Valley stretched out below — it is a feeling that simply cannot be described in words.

 

But if you are planning your first flight and wondering “What exactly will happen? Is it safe? What do I do?” — don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

 

In this complete guide, BookMyParagliding walks you through everything you need to know about tandem paragliding in Bir Billing — step by step, from arrival to landing.

 

Let’s fly! 🪂

 

What is Tandem Paragliding?

Let’s start with the basics.

 

Tandem paragliding means you fly together with a certified professional pilot on a specially designed two-person paraglider. You sit comfortably in the front harness, enjoying the views and the thrill — while your expert pilot sits behind you, controlling the glider and ensuring a smooth, safe flight from start to finish.

 

The best part?

 
  • ✅ Zero experience required
  • ✅ No training needed
  • ✅ No physical strength needed
  • ✅ Suitable for almost all age groups
  • ✅ You just sit back, relax and enjoy!
 

Tandem paragliding is the most popular and most beginner-friendly way to experience the sport — and Bir Billing is one of the best places on the entire planet to do it.

 

Why Bir Billing? The Paragliding Capital of India

Before we walk you through the experience, let’s talk about why Bir Billing is THE destination for paragliding in India.

 

Bir Billing is a small, beautiful town nestled in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The take-off point is located at Billing — 2,400 meters above sea level — and the landing site is in the peaceful village of Bir, about 14 km below.

 

Here is what makes Bir Billing truly world-class:

 
  • 🌍 Ranked among the Top 2 Paragliding Sites in the World
  • 🏆 Hosted the Paragliding World Cup 2015 & 2019
  • 🌬️ Natural thermal updrafts for long, smooth flights
  • 🏔️ 360-degree views of the Dhauladhar mountain range
  • 🌿 Lush green valleys, forests and monasteries below
 

In short — there is no better place in India, and very few places in the world, to experience tandem paragliding like this.

 

Your Complete Tandem Paragliding Experience — Step by Step

Here is exactly what happens on the day of your flight with BookMyParagliding.

 

Step 1 — Arrival & Check-In at Base Camp

When you arrive at our base camp in Bir, our team will warmly welcome you and get you checked in. You will:

 
  • Complete a quick registration process
  • Fill a simple safety declaration form
  • Get briefed on weather and flying conditions for the day
  • Meet your certified pilot who will fly with you
 

💡 BookMyParagliding Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your slot time. It helps you settle in, ask questions and get comfortable before the flight.


Step 2 — Safety Briefing

Before every flight, your pilot will give you a clear and thorough safety briefing. This covers:

 
  • 📋 How to correctly wear your harness
  • 🏃 How to run at take-off (it’s simpler than you think!)
  • 🪑 How to sit comfortably once you are airborne
  • 🦵 The correct landing position — feet up, legs forward
  • 🚨 Basic in-flight communication with your pilot
 

At BookMyParagliding, all our pilots are certified and follow strict international safety protocols. Every single piece of equipment is thoroughly checked before every flight — no exceptions.

 

Please listen carefully to the briefing. It is short, simple and very important.

 

Step 3 — Drive to Billing (Take-Off Point)

After the briefing, you will be driven up the mountain to the Billing take-off site — about a 45-minute scenic drive from Bir base camp.

 

The drive itself is stunning — winding Himalayan roads with dramatic views of the valley and mountains at every turn. Keep your phone ready for photos! 📸

 

When you arrive at Billing, you will see the vast open sky above, the Kangra Valley far below, and pilots preparing their gliders all around. The energy up there is electric.

 

💡 BookMyParagliding Tip: It is completely normal to feel nervous at this point. Take a deep breath, trust your pilot and remember — thousands of people do this every year and absolutely love it!


Step 4 — Gearing Up

Your pilot will now gear you up for the flight. This includes:

 
  • 🪖 Fitting and securing your helmet
  • 🦺 Wearing and adjusting your harness
  • 🔗 Connecting the tandem lines safely
  • ✅ A final head-to-toe equipment check
 

The gear-up process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Your pilot will not move toward the launch until every single buckle and connection is perfectly secure.

 

Step 5 — Take-Off 🚀

This is the moment everything builds up to.

 

Here is exactly how take-off works:

 
  1. Your pilot lays out the paraglider wing on the slope behind you
  2. They check wind direction and wait for the perfect gust
  3. The wing rises up above your heads, filling with air
  4. Your pilot says “Run! Run! Run!”
  5. You run forward together — just 5 to 8 steps down the slope
  6. The wing lifts — and your feet leave the ground
 

Just like that — you are flying. 🪂

 

Almost every first-timer says the same thing — “I expected it to feel scary, but it was so smooth and gentle!” Within seconds of take-off, the nerves completely disappear and are replaced by pure, breathless excitement.

 

Step 6 — The Flight — Soaring Over the Himalayas 🏔️

Once you are airborne, your pilot will guide you upward using the natural thermal currents rising from the valley below. You will climb higher and higher — with the most spectacular views unfolding in every direction.

 

What does it feel like to fly?

 
  • 🌬️ A cool, fresh Himalayan breeze against your face
  • 🤸 A completely weightless, floating sensation
  • 😌 Surprisingly calm and peaceful — nothing like a roller coaster
  • 👀 Snow-capped peaks, green forests, rivers and monasteries below
  • 🤩 An overwhelming feeling of total freedom
 

Your standard tandem paragliding flight with BookMyParagliding lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes at around 1,000 meters above the valley floor.

 

During the flight, your pilot can:

  • 🌀 Do gentle spirals and turns for extra thrill — just ask!
  • 📸 Help you take photos and selfies mid-air
  • 🗣️ Point out the famous Himalayan peaks and landmarks below
  • 😌 Or simply let you float in peaceful, silent bliss
 

It is entirely your experience — just tell your pilot what you prefer!

 

Step 7 — Landing 🛬

As the flight draws to a close, your pilot will gently guide the glider toward the Bir landing field — a wide, open and safe grassy area.

 

Landing is easier than most people expect. Here is how it works:

 
  1. Your pilot descends gradually and smoothly toward the field
  2. As you approach the ground, they say “Feet up — legs forward!”
  3. You raise your feet, extend your legs in front of you
  4. You glide in softly and touch down — usually completely upright!
 

Most landings feel gentle and natural. And the moment your feet touch the ground, expect an enormous rush of adrenaline, a huge smile and an overwhelming urge to do it all over again! 😄

 

Step 8 — After the Flight 🎉

Right after your flight, you can:

 
  • 📸 Take photos with your pilot and the glider at the landing field
  • ☕ Head to one of Bir’s charming local cafés for a well-earned chai
  • 🕌 Walk to the famous Bir Buddhist Monastery — just minutes away
  • 📱 Share your experience on Instagram and tag us! 😄
 

💡 Bir Village is a beautiful, peaceful place with great food, cafés and culture. Spend some time here after your flight — you deserve it!


BookMyParagliding Pricing

At BookMyParagliding, we believe that the experience of a lifetime should be accessible to everyone.

 
Package
Price
Duration
🟢 Standard Tandem Paragliding
₹3,000 per person
15–20 minutes

What’s included at ₹3,000:

  • ✅ Certified pilot
  • ✅ All safety equipment (helmet, harness)
  • ✅ Transport from Bir to Billing take-off point
  • ✅ Safety briefing
  • ✅ Himalayan views — priceless 🏔️
 

📞 Want a group discount or custom package?
Contact BookMyParagliding directly on WhatsApp for special group rates!


Best Time for Tandem Paragliding in Bir Billing

Season
Months
Flying Conditions
🌟 Peak Season
October – November
Best thermals, crystal clear skies
✅ Great Season
March – June
Warm thermals, excellent visibility
⚠️ Monsoon
July – September
Limited flying due to heavy rain
❄️ Winter
December – February
Cold but flyable on clear days

Best months to visit: October, November, March, April and May

 

What to Wear

✅ Wear:

  • Full-sleeve t-shirt or light jacket
  • Track pants or comfortable jeans
  • Closed-toe sports shoes or sneakers
  • Sunglasses with a strap
 

❌ Avoid:

  • Sandals, slippers or heels
  • Loose scarves or heavy jewellery
  • Skirts or very baggy clothing
 

All safety gear including helmet and harness is provided by BookMyParagliding. You don’t need to bring anything special!


Is Tandem Paragliding in Bir Billing Safe?

Absolutely — yes. At BookMyParagliding, safety is our number one priority. Here is why you can fly with complete confidence:

 
  • 🏅 All pilots are certified professionals
  • 🔍 Equipment inspected thoroughly before every single flight
  • 🌤️ Flights operate only in safe, suitable weather conditions
  • 📋 Every flyer receives a detailed safety briefing
  • 📊 500+ happy flyers and a perfect safety record