Hello, friends, my name is Avinash and I live in Chandigarh. During summers I and my friends did paragliding in Dhobi which is near Kullu Manali and in Khajjiar.
None of us had done paragliding before. When we searched the internet we were overwhelmed by the number of choices that we had. There were more than 5 to 6 paragliding locations in Himachal itself.
I carried out extensive research to decide which one of the paragliding locations was most suitable for a first-timer like me. In this article, I will describe all the paragliding sites in Himachal Pradesh.
I am making this resource because I could not find any consolidated article like this when I was carrying out research for planning my paragliding trip to Himachal.
This article is the result of one week of extensive research that I did while planning my trip to Himachal. I hope you find it useful.
Khajjiar
Where is it located: Khajjiar is located at an altitude of 1920 m on the foothills of Dhauladhar ranges in Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh. The closest major town is Dalhousie which is around 24 km from Khajjiar.
How to reach: There are no direct buses from Delhi and Chandigarh to Khajjiar. The nearest bus stop is at Dalhousie. You can book a direct bus or a shared taxi from Delhi and Chandigarh to Dalhousie. Dalhousie is at a distance of 560 km from Delhi and 312 km from Chandigarh.
Options for paragliding: There are two paragliding options to choose from. Both the options have the same paragliding take-off site but different landing sites. Total time in the air for the long ride is around 15 minutes whereas total time in the air for the shorter ride is around 7 minutes.
Best time for paragliding: Paragliding is conducted throughout the year. The only exception is a few days during monsoons when it is raining.
Approximate cost for paragliding: The cost of paragliding fluctuates depending on various factors like tourist seasons, weather, paragliding companies, etc. But a rough estimate for carrying out tandem paragliding would be around 2000 to 2500 rupees.
Main tourist places nearby: Kalatop wildlife sanctuary, Lord Shiva Statue, Golden Devi temple, Khajji Nag Temple, Dalhousie
Dobhi
Where is it located: Dobhi is a small town that lies on the road head between Kullu and Manali. Dobhi is 19 km ahead of Kullu on the road connecting Kullu to Manali.
How to reach: All the buses going towards Manali go via Dobhi. Manali is well connected to Delhi and Chandigarh by means of direct buses.
Dobhi is at a distance of 260 km from Chandigarh and 493 km from Delhi.
One can also reach Dobhi by flight. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Kullu which is just 20 km away from Dobhi.
Best time for paragliding: Paragliding is conducted throughout the year except for the days when the weather is not favorable in winters or monsoons.
Approximate cost for paragliding: Average cost for paragliding for one person is around 2,000 to 2,500Rs. In case you are visiting Dobhi in a big group then you can also ask for special discounted rates from the adventure companies.
Total time in the air: There are only one takeoff and only one landing site. The approximate time in the air is around 10 minutes.
Main tourist places nearby: Kullu, Manali, Solang Valley, Kasol, Malana, Manikaran
Remarks: This is one of the best places to enjoy paragliding as it has the maximum number of popular tourist places nearby.
Solang Valley
Where is it located: It is located 14 km north of Manali in Kullu Valley.
How to reach: The nearest bus stop is at Manali. One can reach Manali easily by catching a direct bus to Manali from Delhi or Chandigarh. Manali is at a distance of 532 km from Delhi and 300 km from Chandigarh.
The nearest airport is at Bhuntar Kullu, at a distance of 54 km from Solang Valley.
You can reach Solang Valley from Manali or Kullu by taking a local bus or shared taxi.
Best time for paragliding: Paragliding is conducted throughout the year except for the days when the weather is not favorable.
Approximate cost for paragliding: There are 3 paragliding takeoff sites in Solang Valley. Their prices vary from 1,000 rupees to around 3,500 depending on the tourist season.
Total time in the air: There are three paragliding options. The shorter paragliding ride offers approximately 5 minutes in the air( not recommended, too short). Whereas the other two are longer offering around 10 minutes and 15 minutes in the air respectively
Main tourist places nearby: Shiv Mandir Anjani Mahadev, Manali, Rohtang Pass
Remarks: This is one of the best places to enjoy paragliding as other adventure activities like zorbing, river rafting, horse riding, dirt biking, camping, tracking, Quad biking is also conducted at Solang Valley
Bir Billing
Where is it located: Bir Billing is located at a height of 1525 m north of Bir. Main towns near Bir Billing are Bir around 14 km and Dharamshala 17 km.
How to reach: The best way to reach Bir Billing is to take a direct bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to Bir. Bir is at a distance of 534 km from Delhi and 284 km from Chandigarh.
The nearest airport is at Dharamshala around 70 km away from Bir Billing
Best time for paragliding: Paragliding is conducted throughout the year.
Approximate cost for paragliding: Bir Billing is considered to be one of the best places for enjoying paragliding in the world. Bir Billing offers a wide array of paragliding packages.
One can also choose to enroll in longer paragliding courses. After completion of these courses, you will be confident in flying solo.
The average cost of tandem paragliding( paragliding with an experienced pilot) is around 3,000 rupees.
Total time in the air: Bir Billing is one of the best places for paragliding. The maximum duration of a tandem paragliding ride can be as long as 30 to 40 minutes.
Main tourist places nearby: Sherab Ling Monastery, Chokling Monastery, Deer Park Institute, Dharmalaya Institute, Chowgan Tea Garden, Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Palampur
Remarks: Bir Billing is also called the paragliding capital of India. It is one of the most prominent locations for carrying out paragliding in the world. Paragliding World Cup 2015 in which more than 130 countries participated was conducted at Bir Billing.
If the primary aim of visiting Himachal is paragliding then Bir Billing is the right choice.
Dharamshala
Where is it located: Dharamshala is the district headquarter of Kangra district. It is located at a height of 1457 m. It is headquartered in the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan government in exile) and the residence of Dalai Lama.
How to reach: The best way to reach Dharamshala is to take a direct bus from Delhi or Chandigarh. Delhi is at a distance of 492 km whereas Chandigarh is located at a distance of 244 km from Dharamshala.
Dharamshala also has an airport which has direct as well as connecting flights from Delhi and Chandigarh.
The best time for paragliding: Paragliding is conducted throughout the year.
Approximate cost for paragliding: Average cost of paragliding for a single person is 2500 rupees
Total time in the air: There are only one takeoff and only one landing site in Dharamshala which offers a duration of 10 minutes in the air
Main tourist places nearby: Mcleodganj, Dharamshala Stadium, Dal Lake, Bhagsunag Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglag Khang, Gyuto Monastery, The Aghanjar Mahadev Temple, The Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Jwalamukhi Devi Temple, Namgyalma Stupa, Dharamshala War Memorial, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, St. John Church, Sherabling Monastery, Kunal Pathri Temple
Remarks: Dharamshala has the best connectivity to the rest of India as compared to the other paragliding options mentioned above. If you short on time then this is the best option for you.
