The "Bir-Billing" Weekender
Event Type: Moto-Touring & Aerial Adventure
Duration: 2 Days (Saturday – Sunday)
Machine: Adventure Tourer (Himalayan 450 / KTM 390 Adventure or similar)
Theme: Ride to the Dhauladhars & Fly at the Paragliding Capital of India
---
Overview
Escaping the rising heat of the plains, this 2-day ride heads straight into the cool embrace of the Dhauladhar range. More than a road trip, this is a high-altitude pilgrimage combining twisty mountain riding with world-class paragliding at Bir-Billing.
---
Day 1 – The Ride to the Mountains
Start Time: 06:00 AM
Start Point: Ambala Cantt
Destination: Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Route Plan
Ambala Cantt → Kiratpur Sahib (NH44)
Early start to avoid highway congestion
Fast, straight stretch – ideal for warming up
Kiratpur Sahib → Una → Kangra → Bir
Traffic thins out after Kiratpur
Road becomes twisty with continuous elevation gain
Notable highlight: Kangra tunnel section – smooth tarmac and perfect curves
Ride Experience
* Progressive cooling of air as altitude increases
* Continuous mountain bends and clean surfaces
* Ideal terrain for adventure tourers and mid-weight ADVs
Expected Arrival - Early Afternoon
---
# Mid-Day – Action Begins
Activity: Paragliding Slot Booking
Location: Bir Landing Site
* Direct ride to the landing ground without hotel check-in
* Registration and slot booking for next morning’s flight
* Interaction with pilots and weather briefing
---
# Evening & Night Halt
Stay Area: Tibetan Colony, Bir
Evening Plan
* Set up camp near the colony outskirts
* Sunset views of the Dhauladhars
* Bonfire session with fellow riders from Delhi & Chandigarh
Atmosphere
* Occasional monk sightings
* Story exchanges, route sharing, and gear talk
* Quiet mountain night with cold winds and starry skies
---
#Day 2 – The Flight
Morning Transfer: Bir → Billing
Altitude ~ 2,400 meters
Ride to Takeoff Site
* Narrow, winding mountain road
* Steep climbs with sharp hairpins
* Dense cedar forests and panoramic valley views
---
# The Main Event – Paragliding
Launch Site: Billing
Flight Type: Cross-Country (Weather Permitting)
*Experience*
* Cliff run takeoff followed by instant lift
* Glide over cedar forests and terraced villages
* Thermalling to gain altitude and approach cloud level
* Long glide back to Bir landing ground
---
# Wrap-Up Post-Flight
* Debrief with pilot
* Late breakfast in Bir
* Begin return ride by afternoon