Bir is a little town in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district. Bir Billing is a well-known paragliding and meditation resort in the Joginder Nagar valley. Because of the Tibetan community’s presence in this town, Tibetan culture has an influence.
Also see- 10 best treks in India
Billing is the take-off point, while Bir is the landing site, with an altitude difference of roughly 800 metres. There are a few charming cafes strewn across town that serve delectable cuisine. Short treks, visits to monasteries, a ride on the adjacent Jogindernagar-Pathankot Narrow Gauge railroad, or simply a day at the tea gardens are all options for visitors. Bir is a significant spiritual and meditation centre. Also have look on hostel in Bir and Hostel in Agra.
The Tibetan Colony of Bir, located downhill from the settlement of Chowgan, and Upper Bir, which is more greener, are the two halves of the Bir town.
What to explore in Bir ?
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Deer park institute
Deer Park Institute is a centre for the ‘Study of classical Indian wisdom traditions,’ created in March 2006 by Bhutanese monk Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, a writer and filmmaker. The Dalai Lama supports and appreciates the organisation, which is run by Siddhartha’s Intent Society.
The organization’s principal goal is to restore the spirit of Nalanda University, one of ancient India’s greatest and oldest universities. This institute also hosts workshops and guest lecturers on a regular basis.
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Paragliding
The most thrilling and daring sport available in Bir is paragliding. Billing, about 14 kilometres from Bir, is the landing spot. In Bir, there are various private trip companies who provide all of the necessary paragliding equipment and training. Every year in October, the Department of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and the Government of Himachal Pradesh host a paragliding Pre-World Cup event. From March to May, and from October to November, interested parties can attempt paragliding here.
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Dharmalaya Institute
Dharmalaya Institute is an NGO dedicated to education, service, and compassionate living, with a practical focus on sustainable village development, contemplative service-learning, and immersion ecotourism. It is a service-learning and contemplative practises eco-campus. The institute hosts meditation and work retreats that provide students and volunteers with long-term opportunity to practise ‘Karma Yoga,’ or selfless service. Some of the programmes available here include organic farming, green job skills training for local people, a tree-planting project, and green building.
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Chokling gompa
Chokling Gompa, in Bir, is a monastery devoted to Neten Chokling Rinpoche, a reincarnate lama in Tibetan Buddhism’s Nyingma lineage. He also directed Milarepa, a film that was released in 2006. The gompa’s main tourist attractions are its Tibetan-style architecture and a big stupa. The monastery holds Buddhist ceremonies from time to time in addition to training monk students. On the monastery grounds, there is also a guest house and a restaurant.
It was founded in the 1960s, following the People’s Republic of China’s takeover of Tibet. It was build under the guidance of Neten Chokling Pema Gyurme and is now led by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, Neten Chokling Rinpoche III’s third son. A tunnel, a temple, and a prayer hall make up the monastery. The site also includes a monks’ quarters and a three-year retreat centre. Visitors are welcome to join the lamas in their prayers.
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Gunehar waterfalls
Gunehar Waterfalls is the main attraction of Gunehar village, which is located 1.5 kilometres from Bir in Himachal Pradesh on a hillside. The beautiful waterfall, which stands at a height of 100 feet, can be access by a short journey from the town and is likely to be one of the most thrilling and enriching experiences of your life.
The sight of crystal clear water cascading down the hilltop is breathtaking. Aside from the breathtaking scenery, visitors can take jeep rides or mountain bike rides through the charming trails, with the majestic Dhauladhar mountains in the background.
A large number of people visit the area, particularly photographers and environment lovers. Among the most popular activities to do in Gunehar are watching the mesmerising sunsets, trekking through the heart-melting greenery, or simply sipping the delicious Tibetan tea.
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Palpung Sherabling Monastery
The Palpung Sherabling Monastery, in Keori, near Bir, is an eastern Tibetan religious centre that offers Buddhist studies, as well as other types of living art and culture, as well as periodic courses in Buddhist meditation and philosophy.
It is one of the Eastern Tibet’s Palpung Monastery’s branches. Palpung literally translates to “beautiful confluence of learning and practise.” The monastery complex includes a school, college, and university where students can learn about Buddha’s past, present, and future. The institute houses almost 1200 monks.
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Bir market
Bir Market is a pedestrian-only market with a variety of cafes and businesses. Locals and residents from the surrounding areas come for necessities such as food, clothing, and other products, while visitors spend their time shopping for souvenirs. The Bir Market, commonly known as the Bir Road Bazaar or simply Bir Road, is located on the road leading to Bir town. Please be aware that this is not the same as the major Bir Road.
The market area is a jumble of interesting and energetic local stores selling a wide range of things at reasonable rates. A variety of products celebrating Tibet’s rich history and tradition are on display at several stalls.
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Bir tea factory
Another tourist attraction in the vicinity is the Bir Cooperative Tea Factory, which is located along the Bir Bazaar Road.
This facility produceS native tea in this region, which is surrounded by the tea gardens and plantations. Tourists can take tours of the factory as well. You’ll undoubtedly go away with a better understanding of the tea-making process and a strong desire to try Bir’s local tea!
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Hang gliding
Hang gliding is a popular adventure activity that requires training in order to participate. It attracts adventure seekers from all over the country. The hand gliders take off from Billing (14 km) and land at Bir (14 km).
In 1980, Bir became the first city in the world to offer hang gliding. It has been one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions since since. Bir-Billing is even regarded as one of the sport’s most picturesque locations. People who have interest might enrol in a training programme at the HTDC’s Bir Aero Sports Complex. Five national and three international hand gliding competitions have taken place in Bir-Billing. Every year, it also hosts a tournament.
