Things To Do
Himachal Pradesh is a go to destination for adventure, nature, beautiful landscapes, spirituality and rejuvenation. Bir is a small region that has a little bit of everything. You will be happily surprised at all the memorable experiences it can offer you.
PARAGLIDING
Bir is the world’s second highest paragliding site and the official paragliding capital of India. It is the paragliding hub of India offering you an exciting and unforgettable adrenaline rush. Put it on top of your bucket list and jump off!
NATURE WALKS
The Billing forest offers silent walks through the woods. The forests are part of the Dhauladhar wildlife sanctuary. Leisurely strolls through green fields and wild flowers with the chirping of birds will also heal you and give you the peace you are seeking.
MONASTERIES
Bir has a significant Buddhist population. Some of India’s best monasteries are here. They are open for visits and meditation. Check out Palpung Sherabling, Chokling and Nyingyang to name a few.
MOUNTAIN BIKING & CYCLING
Mountain biking is one of the most adventurous sports you can undertake here. Riding in the mountains and hilly areas can be an uphill task. Bikes and cycles are available for rent to enjoy forest trails and rides through the town. Choose your level of exertion.
MEDITATE AT DEER PARK INSTITUTE
Deer Park offers a variety of courses and workshops on philosophy, art and culture. They also provide meditation retreats. A walk around the place can give you the much needed mental peace which you have been craving for long.
TREKKING
What can be a better and exciting activity other than trekking when you are in the mountains? The surrounding mountains offer beautiful trails and treks for all trekking enthusiasts.
TRY LOCAL FOOD
The local Tibetan is a must try if you are in for a different pallette. Foodies will have fun.
SHOP AT TIBETAN COLONY
Bir is a Tibetan refugee settlement. It was established after the exile of Dalai Lama and other refugees from the land of Tibet.The market area of Bir is famous for it’s numerous and varied range of stuff. It gets busy during the morning and early evening hours. You can shop for unique gifts in the local Tibetan Colony.
BIR SUNSETS
Bir’s changing skies offer the best sunsets you will ever watch in your life. Don’t miss out on this.
TEA PLANTATIONS
Bir has many tea gardens surrounding the village. They offer beautiful walks that will refresh you as you take in the fresh mountain air and vibe. The local tea factory also offer tours for an insight into the tea manufacturing process.
TOY TRAIN
You can travel by toy train from Bir all the way to Pathankot for stunning views of the region. You can choose a short trip to Jogindernagar to taste the ride.
Places Around Bir
SOBHA SINGH ART GALLERY
Dedicated to the work of eminent artist Sobha Singh, the Sobha Singh Art Gallery is situated in Andretta village, which is located 14 kms south of Palampur. Sobha Singh is a veteran painter from the Sikh community and his masterpiece of Guru Nanak (with his one hand raised as if to bestow blessings) has brought him ample of fame. The art gallery displays some of the finest work of Sobha Singh, which include portraits of Sohni-Mahinval and Hir-Ranjha (famed Punjabi couples).
TASHI JONG MONESTRY
The Tashi Jong Monastery is not just a centre for worship for Buddhists but is also the homely abode of various Tibetan refugees. The complex has a college for freshers and a Tibetan restaurant besides the main shrine.
This place has been inhabited by Tibetan for many years now, and has a quaint serenity about it. Tibetan artifacts are also sold in the crafts emporium and these are ideal for tourists to buy as souvenirs. Almost everyone who travels to Palampur, visits this monastery.
This place has been inhabited by Tibetan for many years now, and has a quaint serenity about it. Tibetan artifacts are also sold in the crafts emporium and these are ideal for tourists to buy as souvenirs. Almost everyone who travels to Palampur, visits this monastery.
BAROT VALLEY FISHING TRIP
Barot a village, originally developed in 1920s for Shanan Hydel Project is now a tourist location in Mandi district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Barot was difficult to access until 1975 when a road was opened. It is situated 40 km from Jogindernagar and 66 km from Mandi, the district headquarters. The road to Barot branches off at Jogindernagar-Mandi high ways and from Jogindernagar the distance is 40 km. It is sometimes possible to use the funicular trolley from Jogindernagar which reduces the distance to 12 km. The road route includes terraced fields and thick cedar forests, rising to Jhatingri at the hilltop. The remains of the summer palace of the former rulers of Mandi are located here.Through the little village of Tikkan, the road carries on to Barot. The town has a range of outdoor activities, including a trout breeding centre from where fish are released into the Uhl. A 30 km section of the river is used for angling.
ANDRETTA POTTERY AND CRAFT COCIETY
Andretta Pottery and Craft Society, besides Sobha Singh Art Gallery and the house of the Irish writer Norah Richards. Andretta Pottery and Craft Society is run by Mansimran Singh, son of the famous potter Gurcharan Singh. Drive through beautiful villages and tea gardens to reach the sleepy little artists’ village of Andretta. There is a production studio where they make attractively designed earthenware. The beautiful glazed earthenware with rangoli patterns that are made here are sold to FabIndia in Delhi. They also provide 3-month courses to aspiring potters that include accommodation, food and tuition. Besides, you too can try your hand at pottery at a nominal charge. Do visit the tiny museum that has on display Himachal village pottery.
BAIJNATH TEMPLE
Baijnath is a town in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is about 50 kilometers from Dharamshala. A guide to Bir Billing says that the town got its name from the very famous and an ancient temple of Lord Shiva (Baijnath), which is situated there.
PALAMPUR
Palampur is a hill station in India’s northern state of Himachal Pradesh. It’s known for its tea gardens like the Palampur Cooperative Tea Factory, which also processes the leaves. A waterfall drops into a stream at Bundla Chasm. Saurabh Van Vihar nature park has picnic spots, birdlife and views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range. A forested trail leads northeast to hilltop Birni Devi Temple, with mountain views.
DHARAMSHALA, MCLEODGANJ, DHARAMKOT
Dharamshala is a city in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by cedar forests on the edge of the Himalayas, this hillside city is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. The Thekchen Chöling Temple Complex is a spiritual centre for Tibetan Buddhism, while the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives houses thousands of precious manuscripts.
McLeod Ganj is a suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known as “Little Lhasa” or “Dhasa” because of its large population of Tibetans. The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in McLeod Ganj.
McLeod Ganj is a suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known as “Little Lhasa” or “Dhasa” because of its large population of Tibetans. The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in McLeod Ganj.
MANDI - PARASHER LAKE
Prashar Lake lies 49 km north of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India, with a three storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Prashar.
HOT WATER SPRINGS
Himachal Pradesh has several springs that are ideal for naturally heated, mineral-rich thermal baths. The therapeutic qualities of these hot springs have drawn travellers for centuries. Village people often construct tank-like structures around these spring pools to create small enclosures where visitors and local residents can bathe in semi-privacy.
Tucked away in mountain nooks, these unpretentious and simple tanks often afford dramatic views of towering mountains and gorgeous river valleys.
Tucked away in mountain nooks, these unpretentious and simple tanks often afford dramatic views of towering mountains and gorgeous river valleys.
