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Bir is a small hamlet in Himachal Pradesh in India named after ‘Birsen’, who was a ruler of the Sen Dynasty. Bir is popularly known as the ‘paragliding capital of India’. It is located at a height of 5,000 feet in the Joginder Nagar valley in the Kangra district. There are many things to do in Bir, which makes it suitable for those seeking adventure along with a weekend getaway. Here you can find a mixed population of Tibetans and Indians, along with travellers coming to enjoy various activities at this place.
12 Exhilarating Things To Do In Bir
This guide highlights ten things to do in Bir that capture the essence of this captive region in the heart of Himachal Pradesh.
1. Paragliding
Photo: PanWoyteczek / Wikimedia Commons
Bir is a paragliding destination in the heart of the Himachal and is also one of the idyllic places to enjoy this aero sport. March-May and October- November are the best months for the sport because climatic conditions are most favourable for long paragliding during this period. Among things to do in Bir, whenever you are wondering what time to take up for this activity, the evening is the best time to consider because of the changing hues of the sky as you glide from Billing to Bir.
Start And End Point: Billing-BarI-Keyori-Chougan-Landing
Best Time For Paragliding: March to June and October to November
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Manali That You Must Visit Once In A Lifetime
2. Camping
Photo: Xue Guangjian / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you visit Himachal Pradesh and look for things to do in Bir, the experience of enjoying your vacation in the lap of nature is best done by camping, because camping in Bir is an enthralling experience. Bir offers scenic views in the entire region because of the amazing sunrises, sunsets, moonlit nights, untouchable destinations, hiking through lesser-known trails, food, and friendly people. Camping at Bir will let you embrace the beauty of nature.
Cost/Person: Starts from ₹1500 – ₹2000 onwards
Best Time For Camping: October to July
3. Trekking
Photo: Eric Sanman / Pexels / Image for representation only
Bir is an enchanting place because of the variety of its trails, which provide hiking and trekking opportunities that lead to places people dream of. The best weather for trekking in Bir is during the spring and autumn seasons. You can stay in a tent and directly go trekking in the early morning with trained supervision. The valleys are full of life, and among things to do in Bir, while trekking, you can experience village life, nature, wildlife, birding, and local culture.
Cost/Person: Starts from ₹1500 – ₹3000 onwards
Best Time For Trekking: March to May
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Jibhi To Make Your Trip Memorable
4. Shopping At Bir Road Market
Photo: Ivishalbhutani / Wikimedia Commons / Image for representation only
Bir Market, also known as Bir Road Bazar or Bir Road, is located en route to Bir town. Bir Road is a streetside market with several ranges of goodies, eateries, and shops that you would return to. The place is rich in Tibetan Heritage, which includes food, clothing, handicrafts, mushrooms, etc., which you cannot return empty-handed from your bir vacations. The market area remains the most cherished area by Bir tourists because it reflects Tibetan culture.
Cost/Person: ₹1,200 to ₹1,800
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
5. Enjoy Spa At AryaMarga
Photo: Raajit Sharma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
When thinking of what to do in Bir after a long day, visit the AryaMarga Yoga Institute located in Sukhbag in Himachal Pradesh, which is a famous institute that specialises in yoga and therapy and is based on the 84 Mahasidhas dating back to almost 5,000 years. AryaMarga is a yoga treat with relaxing activities that recover the muscles after indulging in Bir, which can be one of the best things to do in Bir.
Best Time To Visit: March to June & September to November
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Panchvaktra Temple
6. Soak In The Beauty Of Bangoru Waterfall
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bangoru Waterfall is located about 4.5 km from the Bir Tibetan Colony, which requires a small trek or hiking from Gunehar village. This is known as Bir’s smallest waterfall, a less-popular attraction that can make a good picnic spot and is also one of the best things to see in Bir. The visitors can view the iconic gushing cold water, meditate, and take snaps of the scenery. This place is perfect for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the time of their lives in nature.
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Photography and scenic views
7. Explore The Deer Park Institute
Photo: Gurlaprasad / Wikimedia Commons / Image for representation only
Deer Park is an institute that practices of classical Buddhist traditions, under the patronage of the Dami Lama. It was established in 2006. Deer Park Institute creates an atmosphere of compassion and courage through its encounters with the Himalayas. This institute provides various programmes like Zen/Dhyan meditation, philosophy, yoga, and healing methods. All the programmes are open to all and free of charge. The entire campus flourished with the organic and herbal farm, accommodation for over 75 students, a library, four meditation and study halls, and a 400-seat amphitheatre.
Timings: 9 AM – 12 PM and 2 PM – 6 PM, closed on Sunday
Major Attractions: Meditation, philosophy, art, and culture
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Shoja For A Enjoyable Outing In Himachal
8. Offer Your Prayers At The Chokling Monastery
Photo: Himalayan Lens / Wikimedia Commons
Chokling Monastery is one of the idyllic locations to visit among the things to do in Bir, which is the epitome of cultural richness and beauty. You see a grand stupa and a statue of Padmasambhava, a revered deity in Tibetan Buddhism. The entrance of the monastery greets you with a serene ambiance and colourful prayer flags flutter in the breeze. The monastery’s peaceful atmosphere, especially during sunset, makes it a perfect setting for meditation and soul-searching.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Major Attractions: Architectural beauty and serene vibes
9. Marvel At The Bir Tea Factory
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Bir Cooperative Tea Factory is situated near Bir Bazar Road, which has a spectacular view of the tea gardens. This is another one of the things to do in Bir. This factory manufactures local tea in this region, which has slopes and is hilly, which is perfect for tea manufacture. In Bir Tea Factory, various kinds of tea are grown and processed under specific conditions. The visual treat to the tourists to look nurturing at the tea plantations.
Timing: 9 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere
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10. Explore The Tibetan Colony
Photo: Dave ‘Coconuts’ Kleinschmidt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tibetan refugee settlements in the Chowgan village add a unique cultural charm to the area, which is located on the outskirts of the town. It was established after the exile of the Dalai Lama and from Tibet. Visitors can explore major tourist attractions because it has many monasteries. Many tourists can explore a handicraft centre that has a variety of handmade products. The Tibetan colony is famous for local Tibetan food and chilled weather making it one of the top ten things to do in Bir.
11. Seek Blessings At The Tsering Jong Monastery
Photo: JarrahTree / Wikimedia Commons
Tsering Jong Monastery, located near the Bir Landing Site, is one of the top sacred places in Bir. Elegantly nestled amidst the lofty mountains, the monastery features a massive park, a residential complex that houses over 100 monks, and an authentic Tibetan cafe. There is a sprawling field near the monastery adorned with numerous colourful prayer flags, vibrant flowers, and lush green trees. The monastery boasts beautiful Tibetan architecture and intricate designs, making it an ideal destination for devotees and travellers seeking a tranquil retreat.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Tranquil atmosphere and scenic views
12. Go Mountain Biking
Photo: Gioele Fazzeri / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Bir is decked with rugged terrains, quaint villages, and dense forests, making it a popular destination for mountain biking. Here, you can commence your journey on a mountain bike on routes like Bir to Biling, Shali Tibba, Palampur to Bir-Billing, and more. As you traverse through these challenging trails on a bike, you can soak in the panoramic vistas of the surroundings. Mountain biking is one of the exciting things to do in Bir, Himachal Pradesh, offering you an experience like never before.
Cost/Person: ₹7,500 – ₹10,000
Best Time For Mountain Biking: March to June
So, if you are looking to have a weekend in serene environments and majestic mountains, don’t think twice. From religious monasteries to activities that will give you an adrenaline rush, there are abundant things to do in Bir. Visiting Bir when winters just come will add a step up. With TripXL, you can get the right preparation and proper guidance and have a memorable experience that lasts for a lifetime.
Cover Photo: PRASHANT BHATI / Unsplash
