This is the short version of our full Bir Billing post — a weekend circuit, bookended by Delhi, for anyone who wants the hike-and-fly without extra research on getting there and back.

At a glance

  • The route: Delhi → Bir → Billing → back to Delhi.
  • How long you need: 5 days total, including the overnight bus journeys each way — 3 days on the ground covers the hike, camping, and the flight itself comfortably.
  • Best time to go: March to June for the most stable, warm paragliding winds; October-November is the other solid window. Avoid monsoon (July-September), when paragliding shuts down entirely.
  • Budget: Tandem paragliding flights run roughly ₹2,500-5,500 depending on duration and operator, with a standard 15-20 minute flight around ₹3,000. Add stay, food, and transport on top.
  • Getting there: Overnight bus from Delhi (Majnu Ka Tila or ISBT Kashmiri Gate) is the standard route, taking 11-13 hours to cover roughly 500km. If you’re short on time, a flight to Gaggal/Kangra Airport (about 1.25 hours from Delhi) plus a 2-hour taxi to Bir is faster but pricier.

The route

Delhi is just your start and end point, but if your bus doesn’t leave until evening, Connaught Place is worth a few hours — and trying a fire paan there is a small, memorable detour before the long ride ahead.

Bir is where the overnight bus drops you, and your base before the hike. From here it’s roughly 14km by road, or a steeper, shorter trek, up to Billing — the actual launch point, and the reason for this whole trip. Budget 4.5-5 hours for the hike itself if you go on foot, with a lunch break.

Camp near the top the night before your flight, then fly the next morning — weather permitting; cloudy or rainy conditions push the flight, so don’t book this as a same-day-return trip with zero buffer. Once you’re back down, if you have time before your return bus, renting bicycles for a ride out to Palpung Sherabling Monastery is a good way to spend the rest of the day.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for a Bir Billing weekend trip? 5 days total works well if you’re taking the overnight bus both ways — 3 of those on the ground for the hike, camping, and the flight, with 2 days effectively spent traveling overnight.

Is there a faster way than the overnight bus? Yes — fly to Gaggal/Kangra Airport (about 1.25 hours from Delhi) and take a 2-hour taxi to Bir. Faster, but more expensive than the bus.

What’s the best season for this trip? March to June for the most reliable paragliding conditions; October-November also works. Skip monsoon months entirely — flights don’t run then.

Do I need to book the paragliding flight in advance? Not necessarily — you can book directly with an operator once you’re in Bir, though booking ahead is also an option if you’d rather have it settled before you travel.

Want this route adjusted for your dates, or built out as a fully custom trip? Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll put together a real plan.