Tucked away in the serene Dhauladhar mountain ranges of Himachal Pradesh lies Bir Billing Valley, often celebrated as the Paragliding Capital of India. But Bir Billing is much more than just a paragliding destination. It’s a living landscape of interconnected Himalayan villages, hidden trails, semi-nomadic traditions, and vibrant Tibetan culture—all wrapped in crisp mountain air.

Unlike what many believe, Bir Billing isn’t just one village or a single town—it’s a valley formed by a group of traditional Himachali and Tibetan-influenced villages, each offering a unique experience for travelers seeking more than just adventure.

Located in Ghodnala, a lesser-known part of the Keyori village area, Camp Oak View is an offbeat escape nestled amidst oak and rhododendron forests. This peaceful spot is far from the crowded lanes of the main market, making it perfect for nature lovers, digital detoxers, and those looking to explore authentic Himachali village life.

As you enter the Bir Billing valley, Chougan village greets you first. It begins at Chougan Chowk and stretches to the Paragliding Landing Site, acting as the cultural and commercial heart of the valley. Here, you’ll find:

• Ancient Tibetan Monasteries
• A bustling Tibetan market
• Cozy cafés and restaurants
• Guest houses and hostels
• Narrow lanes packed with tourists and shops

If you’re looking for peace, this might not be your ideal stay location. But for those who love to mingle, this is where the energy of Bir thrives.

Bir village, situated slightly uphill from Chougan, is home to the native Himachali community. Here’s where the heartbeat of traditional Bir life can be felt. Key highlights include:

• The historic Bir Tea Factory
• A converted National Institute of Paragliding, now operating as a hotel
• The Forest Wildlife Office and a colonial-era Forest Rest House
• A Senior Secondary School
• The ashram of Swami Visudhanand Saraswati Ji (passed away in 2021 at the age of 158 years)

Bir village is also the starting point of the famous Bir to Billing trek, a 5-hour scenic trail that gradually winds through forests, streams, and ridgelines, ending at the paragliding take-off point in Billing.

A part of Kotli village includes Gunaid, home to the picturesque Banghodu Waterfall—a perfect detour for travelers looking to chase waterfalls, dip into icy streams, or enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst nature.

Adventure lovers, trekkers, and offbeat explorers should not miss out on the unique charm of Rajgundha and Thathi, the twin semi-nomadic villages. These villages carry a fascinating seasonal rhythm:

• Summer: Locals move to Rajgundha for farming and stay in wooden houses.
• Winter: They shift to Thathi as Rajgundha becomes inaccessible due to 2–3 feet of snow.

The trail from Bir to Rajgundha is magical—perfect for overnight treks, mountain photography, and forest camping. This route also connects to Barot Valley, further enhancing the trekking circuit around Bir Billing.

While paragliding in Bir Billing is undoubtedly the biggest attraction (with one of the world’s best takeoff and landing sites), what truly makes this destination unique is its blend of culture, nature, and hidden village life.

Whether you’re a backpacker, spiritual seeker, adventure junkie, or slow traveler—Bir Billing has something for everyone:

• Hidden forest trails and mountain treks
• Remote village stays like in Keyori and Rajgundha
• Monasteries and meditation retreats
• Local cuisine served fresh from village homes
• Stargazing, camping, and bonfire nights
• Interconnected trails perfect for biking and hiking

Most visitors end up booking accommodations in Chougan due to its proximity to the paragliding landing site. However, this area tends to be congested with narrow lanes and tourist footfall. For a quieter and more immersive stay, consider staying in:

• Ghodnala (Camp Oak View)
• Upper Bir
• Keyori mountain hamlets
• Rajgundha (for trekkers and nature lovers)

Bir Billing is not just a destination—it’s an experience made of old-world villages, snow-capped peaks, forest trails, cultural heritage, and high-flying thrills. Whether you’re gliding through the skies or walking through pine-scented paths, the spirit of the valley stays with you long after your journey ends.