Revel in the adventure

They say... the best surprises come from plans made on a whim. As for adventures, it is a constant assertion. This year one such impromptu adventure was paragliding. Our plan was to visit only Dharamshala and McLeodGanj. But one desire to perform any adventure was hovering over my heart throughout. Not trekking, not ziplining, but something likely unprecedented. The plan took us to Bir Billing, 63 km from Dharamshala. (2 hrs drive in taxi or 3-4 hrs in bus).

Asia’s and India’s highest, world’s second paragliding is a (can say spree) fascinating adventure which could ever be done. With almost no adrenaline rush, no apprehension of dropping down, you don’t feel as intimidating as other sport adventures even though it is a serious sport, 8000ft high up in the air. Expert paragliders mostly from Himachal with years of experience and thousands of piloting hours guide us seamlessly and let us just groove under the canopy and deliver the thrill of an airplane ride, but in the open sky. The view of the inner Himalayas in all angles is a visual feast.

You have to reach Bir(if you are going from Dharamshala- taxi takes 2 hours 15mins with scenic views of Palampur, Padar, Baijnath temple) and then catch any paragliding office staff and register your name and personal details. Later you will be picked up by the guides and local drivers to Billing village at a height of 2400m(almost 8000ft) above sea level. A checkpost will be done on the way by police which costs 75/- per person. The way to Billing is a narrow, curvy road that almost takes us to a low oxygen level point. The scenic view offers breathtaking landscapes of the Dhauladhar mountain range.

Billing

The drive is about 45 mins which navigates you to the takeoff site. At that point, pilots would be immediately assigned to you based on the physical factors. Harness done.. fully secured,confidence filled in by the pilots. Get set...go!..Gosh! you hardly feel the takeoff. Just like a bird unfurling its wings and soaring into the sky, under the control of the pilot and a canopy, you fly like a happy phoenix with gears all over the body. The panoramic view is the most surreal thing for anybody. If you are seeking an adventure without triggering fears and overwhelming intensity yet thrilling, ecstatic, little jerks, basic to medium level stunts on your consent, playful wobbles, then this is the perfect one!

Dauladhar range

Conversing with the guides about their experience in the air, holding the gopro /insta360 for timeless captures, enjoying the mother land’s creation is something one needs to be blessed with. The weather was cloudy when we reached Bir and it was doubtful if we could do it. Destiny and our dream met and we did it with 90% clear sky. All I said is a thank you to the pilot for this memorable adventure before he landed at an altitude of 1500m(almost 5003ft) at Bir. The cameraman took pictures of the landing and the guides together. All I could witness was our conversations about the ride, happy faces, satisfied pilots packing up the gears. I can’t resist going once more.. and neither can you!

Bir