The best thing about Himachal Pradesh, other than its incredible landscape, is its diversity. Every region, every district, and every valley is remarkably different from one another. This is why the best way to experience this mountain state in all its glory is to go off-the-beaten path and travel to the interiors, to the little villages where you can sample local delicacies, traditions, and culture, and get a peek into the way of life in the mountains. From paragliding to cuisine, and more, join us in exploring everything that Jibhi and Bir-Billing have to offer.
Jibhi
Nestled within the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, the Banjar Valley opens up with breathtaking natural beauty. A mere three hours from Manali, Jibhi, a tiny village in the Banjar Valley, has emerged as a preferred offbeat destination. Here, scattered throughout the village, you’ll find a variety of accommodations – homestays, tree houses, tented camps, and hostels – catering to all budgets and travel styles.
Surrounded by towering Deodar trees and majestic mountain ranges, the Banjar Valley boasts a dense forest, forming a part of the Great Himalayan National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the park’s diverse wildlife, including birds and the majestic Himalayan tahr. Several trekking routes wind through the park, perfect for adventurous souls seeking a week-long escape amidst pristine nature.
Jibhi’s natural attractions
Jibhi waterfall: A short five-minute walk from the main road leads you to the Jibhi waterfall. Dotted with charming wooden bridges, the path offers a picture-perfect stroll, ideal for those who prefer a gentle introduction to the valley’s beauty.
Jalori Pass: Venture 14 km from Jibhi to discover Jalori Pass, perched at 10,800 feet. This mountain pass connects Shimla and Kullu when not covered in snow. During the winter months (November to March), the pass transforms into a winter wonderland, becoming impassable for vehicles due to heavy snowfall (up to 10 feet) that blankets the entire area. However, summers promise breathtaking vistas – on a clear day, you can even spot the distant Dhauladhar range of the Kangra district. A few dhabas sell the best kadhi and rajma chawal on top of the pass.
Check out our guide to the best dhabas in Himachal Pradesh.
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Lakes, forts and panoramic views ahead: From Jalori Pass, there are two ways forward. Take a left and embark on a 6 km trek to Serolsar Lake, an alpine gem nestled at 10,000 feet. Crystal-clear waters and a serene temple bordering the lake create a picture of tranquillity. Alternatively, head right for a more leisurely 4 km hike to Raghupur Fort. This trail leads you through beautiful alpine meadows, culminating in a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas – a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or simply to soak in the awe-inspiring views.
Charming villages and local delights: Nestled between Jibhi and Jalori Pass is the quaint village of Shoja. Stop by the tiny tea stall here for a steaming cup of chai and a plate of spicy noodles, all while enjoying the spectacular panoramic views of the valley. Another picturesque spot, Chaini Kothi, awaits 10 km from Jibhi. This location boasts a century-old, traditional stone tower, considered sacred by the local community. For history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, climbing the tower offers stunning sunset views.
Craving delicious local fare? Continue driving on the waterfall road until you reach the village of Baahu. Here, restaurants serve delicious momos with chutney to tantalise your taste buds. For a touch of adventure, take an hour-long walk through the jungle from Baahu and discover the sacred Baalu Naag temple dedicated to a local deity, nestled amidst breathtaking valley views.
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Banjar town: If the tranquillity of the villages starts to feel overwhelming, head to the bustling Banjar town to experience the vibrant energy of a Himachali marketplace. The narrow lanes are often a delightful maze, lined with colourful shops showcasing local crafts. Keep an eye out for married women adorned with colourful dhattus (headscarves) and men sporting traditional Himachali topis. Shop for handwoven shawls and jackets as keepsakes. Don’t leave without indulging in the local delicacy called siddu – fluffy steamed buns filled with a savoury blend of sesame, walnut, and potato paste, generously topped with ghee and served with refreshing mint chutney. Explore the village of Sarchi, take a refreshing dip in the natural pool of Lotla (a 10-minute walk from Jibhi), try your luck at trout fishing by the riverside, or just relax, converse with the friendly locals, and soak in the stunning mountain scenery.
Bir-Billing
The terrain changes slowly as you leave Jibhi. As you head towards Bir, the landscape gets a makeover of sorts. Once you see tall, snow-capped mountains piercing the clear blue sky in the distance, know that you’ve entered Kangra district — the home of the mighty Dhauladhars. Soon enough, you are welcomed by a signboard: Welcome to the world’s second-highest paragliding site — Bir Billing. Made up of several tiny villages with little houses scattered in the middle of fields, it is a great place for those who like to take it slow.
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Best time to visit Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
Bir Billing offers two prime windows for visitors: spring and early summer (March to June) and autumn (September to November). This is when the weather truly shines, boasting comfortable temperatures between 7°C and 29°C. Clear skies and gentle thermals make these months ideal for paragliding, while pleasant weather allows you to enjoy other outdoor activities like trekking and camping. The monsoon season (July to September) brings lush greenery with heavy rainfall (over 550 mm) but limits outdoor activities. Winter (mid-December to February) transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, but with temperatures dropping below freezing point, it’s not the best time for paragliding or most outdoor pursuits.
How to reach Bir Billing
There is no direct rail or flight connectivity and the best way to reach Bir Billing is by road, via private vehicles or overnight buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, or other nearby cities. It is nearly 470 km from Delhi, and 232 km from Chandigarh by road.
By air: Kangra Airport is the nearest, approximately 68 km away
By train: Pathankot Railway Station is the nearest, approximately 142 km away
Where to stay in Bir Billing
Bir Billing offers a variety of accommodation options, from boutique hotels and homestays to backpacker hostels. While some hotels boast modern amenities and seamless service ideal for workations and long stays, others cater to budget travellers seeking a social atmosphere. Some of the best places to stay include La Maison, Bir Valley Retreat, Little Bir, The Hosteller, The Billing Health Resort, and North Wind 57.
Book your stay at La Maison - A Boutique Bed and Breakfast via Booking.com
Book your stay at Bir Valley Retreat via Agoda.com
Best cafes and restaurants in Bir
Ara Cafe
Ara Cafe caters to diverse palates, offering a delectable spread of Indian, Bhutanese, Tibetan, Chinese, and Italian cuisines. Some popular dishes include Bhutanese vegetables, macaroni, idli, pizzas, stuffed parathas, vada sambhar, and banana nutella pancakes.
Nyingma Restaurant
One of the most authentic Tibetan eateries in Bir, Nyingma Restaurant is famous for its thukpas, momo soups, chilli vegetables, and a range of beverages from hot ginger-lemon tea to espresso shots.
Buransh Cafe
Buransh Cafe, offering rooftop views and a range of beverages, is popular among locals and tourists for its simple yet delicious snacks inspired by North Indian cuisine. Enjoy staples such as Ram Ladoo Chaat, Veg Spring Rolls, Gajar Ka Halwa, Dry fruit pancakes, Bruschetta, and steamed momos.
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Paloma Bistro
Offering open-air as well as rooftop seating and a range of snacks and desserts, Paloma Bistro is one of the most popular restaurants in Bir. From cheesy pizzas and fluffy cinnamon buns to vibrant green salads and luscious cheesecakes, the restaurant is an ideal place to hit up for snacks.
Emaho Cafe
The ideal place to enjoy true blue Tibetan delicacies, Emaho Cafe offers a wide range of dumplings, thukpas, noodles, and stir-fries. Some of their must-have items include Tibetan Butter Tea, Chicken Glass Noodles, Mutton Wonton Soup, and Aloo Cheese Momo.
June16Café
One of the most popular eateries in Bir with outdoor seating, June16Café offers patrons a selection of stuffed pancakes, burgers, pav bhaji, sandwiches, brownies, and decadent smoothies, including vegan options. Located close to the paragliding landing site, the cafe is an ideal option for lunch and dinner.
Paragliding in Bir Billing
One of the best spots in India for tandem paragliding, Bir Billing lets adventurers soar over 8,200 feet and explore the breathtaking beauty of the Dhauladhar Ranges. As a former host of the Cross Country World Cup Paragliding International Championship in 2015 and one of the world’s highest paragliding spots, it boasts world-class paragliding experiences.
The peak season (March to May) offers ideal circumstances with clear skies and minimal rain for paragliding in Bir Billing. Visitors can choose short (15-20 minutes) or long (30-45 minutes) paragliding sessions, typically priced between INR 3,000 and INR 5,000.
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Things to remember
- Carry your phone and wallet in zippered pockets
- Carry a light jacket even if it looks like it’s going to be a sunny day
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Avoid eating or eat light before the flight
- Avoid alcohol before the flight
- Wear laced shoes lest you lose them while taking off or landing
- Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and sunglasses
Other adventure activities in Bir Billing
Paragliding might be the star attraction, but Bir Billing offers a range of other adventure sports to indulge in.
Camping: Bir Billing boasts a range of camping experiences, from luxurious glamping under the stars to rustic forest camps nestled amidst serene landscapes. Enjoy spectacular Himalayan views and choose your adventure – from group activities at serviced campsites to the serenity of a riverside camp.
For more riverside camping options, explore our guide to the best camping destinations in Rishikesh.
Trekking: Bir Billing offers stunning trekking opportunities, including a trek to Gunehar Waterfalls, breathtaking forest trails of the Jamlu Devta Temple Trek and gorgeous rhododendron-lined paths that take one from Bir to Billing. The trek to Plachak Valley, the primary campsite for several multi-day treks, takes trekkers through oak forests and across meandering rivers. Thamsar Pass trek, connecting the Ravi and Kangra Valleys, offers beautiful views of the Thamsar and Lantern peaks.
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Mountain biking: With plenty of mountain biking routes available in and around Bir, it’s no surprise that just as many shops here offer bike rentals. Adventure enthusiasts can traverse tribal villages, go off-road, enjoy slow rides across flowering meadows, and explore dense forests and high ridges on their mountain bikes.
Tourist attractions in Bir
Monasteries: Exploring Bir’s vibrant Buddhist heritage is a peaceful way to unwind. Visit the historic Chokling Monastery, Tsering Jong Monastery, or the Nyingyang Monastery, nestled amidst oak and pine forests.
Tea plantations: Bir’s weather is ideal for tea plantations, with several factories and tea gardens that allow visitors to gain insight into the entire process, from growing and harvesting tea leaves to processing and packing them. Some of the biggest tea gardens in Bir include The Bir Co-operative Tea Factory Ltd., the Chowgan Tea Gardens, and LivingStone Tea Garden, which also offers a unique farm stay option.
Deer Park Institute: Deer Park Institute in Bir, a centre for studying Buddhist teachings and traditions, was established in 2006 by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, a well-known Buddhist teacher and filmmaker. It is a great place for learning meditation techniques. It offers stay and dining options, along with teaching halls and a well-stocked library.
Bangoru Waterfall: Bangoru Waterfall is one of the many waterfalls in Bir Billing that can be reached via a short trek. For those looking to get away from the crowds, this is a great place to enjoy a little picnic or take a dip in the cool waters.
Baijnath Temple: A beautiful Hindu Temple, surrounded by tranquil forests and verdant meadows, Baijnath Temple is a popular pilgrimage for those visiting Bir. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple exudes serene vibes and a chance to explore its beautiful countenance.
Fun fact: If you can spare some time, take a slow, scenic journey aboard The Kangra Toy Train from Ahju, traversing bridges, lush forests, and flowering meadows, with the towering Himalayas as a backdrop.
Check out our guide to the best toy trains in India to explore other scenic journeys.
(Image credit: Dilchaspiyaan/Shutterstock)
Related: Fly Like A Bird At These 11 Best Places For Paragliding In India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-Are there any local festivals or events in Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh?
One of the most famous festivals of Bir Billing is the Bir Music Festival (June 15 to 16), which showcases the work of talented musicians. Events such as Faag Mela (mid-March), Bir Running Festival 2024 (May 18 to 19), and a wide range of meditation festivals.
-Is it safe to travel to Billing, Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, Himachal Pradesh is a generally safe location, and it is safe to travel to Billing.
-What should I pack for a trip to Billing, Himachal Pradesh?
Depending upon the duration of your trip and the weather in Billing, pack adequate warm clothes, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, raincoat, waterproof bag, water bottle, first-aid kit, and chargers.
-Is paragliding in Bir Billing safe for all age groups?
Paragliding in Bir Billing is generally a safe activity to indulge in. However, children below 16, people with existing health issues, and the elderly are advised to exercise caution while engaging.
-How to commute locally in Bir Billing?
Rent a scooter or a bike, or rely on local autos for commuting within Bir Billing.
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