Introduction to Paragliding in Bir Billing Paragliding is an exhilarating adventure sport where you glide through the air using a lightweight, inflatable wing called a paraglider. Bir Billing, located in Himachal Pradesh, India, is renowned as the Paragliding Capital of India, offering ideal wind conditions and stunning Himalayan views. This guide provides instructions for beginners, safety tips, and details on training, equipment, and services offered by SkyHigh Adventures, a premier paragliding company in Bir. How to Paraglide: Step-by-Step Instructions Preparation: Book a session with a reputable operator like SkyHigh Adventures. Wear comfortable clothing, hiking boots with good traction, and bring sunglasses with UV protection. Avoid heavy meals or alcohol before flying. Briefing: Attend a safety briefing at the take-off site in Billing. Your instructor will explain equipment use, take-off techniques, and landing procedures. Equipment Check: Ensure your helmet, harness, and glider are inspected by a certified pilot. SkyHigh Adventures uses internationally certified gear, checked before every flight. Take-Off: At Billing’s take-off point (8,000 ft), run a few steps down a gentle slope as instructed while the pilot controls the glider. Stay calm and follow the pilot’s cues. In-Flight: Once airborne, sit back in the harness and enjoy the views of the Dhauladhar mountains. Keep your body relaxed and follow the pilot’s instructions for minor adjustments. Landing: At Bir’s landing site, bend your knees slightly and prepare to take a few steps upon touching down. The pilot will guide the glider to a smooth stop. Safety Tips and Things to Avoid Do: Follow all instructions from your certified pilot. Stay calm during take-off and landing. Wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet and sturdy shoes. Avoid: Panicking or making sudden movements in the air. Paragliding barefoot or in sandals, as this risks foot injuries. Flying with unlicensed pilots or outdated equipment. Overeating or drinking alcohol before a flight, which can cause discomfort. Weather Awareness: Avoid flying in strong winds, rain, or foggy conditions. SkyHigh Adventures cancels flights if weather is unsafe, prioritizing your safety. Health Considerations: Inform your pilot of any medical conditions. Paragliding is not recommended for those with severe heart issues, recent surgeries, or pregnancy. About SkyHigh Adventures SkyHigh Adventures is a leading paragliding company based in Bir, Himachal Pradesh, India. We offer tandem flights, professional training courses, and high-quality equipment sales. Our team includes certified pilots registered with Himachal Tourism, ensuring safety and expertise. We operate year-round (except during monsoon, July 15–September 15) and are committed to making your paragliding experience unforgettable. Location Information SkyHigh Adventures is located at: Main Chowk, Bir Village, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India 176077. Take-Off Site: Billing, 14 km from Bir, at 8,000 ft above sea level. Landing Site: Bir, at 4,500 ft above sea level. How to Reach: Bir is 65 km from Dharamshala (2-hour drive). The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (Dharamshala, 67 km). Regular buses and taxis connect Bir to Delhi (530 km) and Dharamshala. We provide shared transportation from Bir to Billing for all flights. Contact Information Phone Numbers: +91-97368-00668, +91-98822-97222 Email: info@skyhighadventures.in Website: www.skyhighadventures.in For bookings or inquiries, call or visit our website. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons (October–November, March–June). Open Times Operating Months: Open year-round except monsoon season (July 15–September 15). Daily Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, weather permitting. Best Time for Flights: Morning sessions (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) offer stable winds. Long flights are ideal from October to April. Note: Flights may be rescheduled or canceled due to unfavorable weather. Check with our team for daily updates. Paragliding Equipment for Sale SkyHigh Adventures sells internationally certified paragliding equipment, suitable for beginners and professionals. All gear meets safety standards set by the Paragliding Association of India. Prices include taxes. Paraglider Wing (Beginner, EN-A Certified): INR 1,20,000. Lightweight, durable, ideal for new pilots. Harness (Standard with Airbag): INR 25,000. Comfortable, with safety padding for landings. Reserve Parachute: INR 30,000. Mandatory for solo pilots, compact design. Helmet (Certified, Full-Face): INR 8,000. Provides head protection, available in multiple sizes. Carabiners (Set of 2, High-Strength): INR 5,000. Connects harness to glider, tested for heavy loads. Flight Instrument (Basic Altimeter/Vario): INR 15,000. Tracks altitude and wind speed for solo flights. Contact us to order or visit our Bir office for fittings and demos. Used equipment available at discounted rates, fully inspected. Training Packages SkyHigh Adventures offers comprehensive paragliding courses certified by the Billing Paragliding Association (BPA). Courses are led by Arvind Paul, a three-time national champion, and include ground training, solo flights, and equipment use. Prices include accommodation and meals unless stated. P1 Course (Beginner, 4 Days): INR 20,000 + 5% GST. Covers ground handling, canopy control, and basic flight physics. Ideal for first-time solo flyers. P1 + P2 Course (Intermediate, 8 Days): INR 39,000 + 5% GST. Includes assisted solo flights, take-off/landing techniques, and wind assessment. Scheduled: January 30–February 6, 2025; March 1–8, 2025. P1 + P2 + P3 Course (Advanced, 14 Days): INR 55,000 + 5% GST. Advanced flying techniques, thermalling, and cross-country flights (7–10 km). Includes BPA certification. Scheduled: February 14–27, 2025; March 16–29, 2025. Tandem Joyride (15–20 Minutes): INR 3,000 per person. No training required, includes GoPro video and transport to Billing. Adventure Package (2 Nights, 1 Tandem Flight): INR 8,700 per person + GST. Includes camping, breakfast, dinner, and a 15–20 minute flight. Requirements: Minimum age 12, weight 30–90 kg (extra INR 500 for 90–110 kg, subject to fitness). Courses extend if weather delays training. Book via phone or website. Additional Services and Packages GoPro Videography: Included free with all tandem flights. High-quality video delivered post-flight. Camping Add-On: INR 2,000 per night in Machaan tents, with breakfast and campfire. Trekking Combo: INR 5,000 per person for a 1-day trek (e.g., Rajgundha Valley) + 15-minute tandem flight. Group Discounts: 10% off for groups of 5+ on tandem flights or adventure packages. All packages include transport from Bir to Billing and safety insurance (INR 75 on-site fee, per Himachal Tourism). Why Choose SkyHigh Adventures? Safety First: All pilots are licensed by Himachal Tourism, with regular medical checks and equipment inspections. Experienced Team: Led by Arvind Paul, with over 14 years of international paragliding experience. World-Class Location: Bir Billing’s geography offers stable thermals and safe flying conditions, perfect for beginners and pros. Customer Focus: Flexible scheduling, transparent pricing, and a passion for adventure ensure a memorable experience. Visit us in Bir or call +91-97368-00668 to start your paragliding journey! Important Notes Weather Dependency: Flight durations and schedules depend on wind conditions. SkyHigh Adventures prioritizes safety and may reschedule flights. Weight Limits: 30–90 kg standard; 90–110 kg possible with larger glider (extra fee, fitness check). Over 115 kg not permitted. Age Limits: 12–65 years, with exceptions for fit individuals over 65, subject to pilot approval. Cancellations: Free cancellation 15 days prior; 0% refund within 15 days. Check our website for full terms. We look forward to soaring with you in Bir Billing!