Trip to Dharamsala - need info about trekking and paragliding

[logistopath]

I'll be traveling with family to Dharamsala for a small vacation in the first week of May. Will be staying in McLeodganj for a few days, during which time we would like to complete the Triund trek. We'd also like to go paragliding in Bir-Billing. Can someone who has been there and done that, or someone native to the place and knows stuff please point me to a reliable licensed agency or website for booking both? Google search gives me hundreds of results. The Triund trek would be 2 days with an overnight stay.
Any suggestions regarding decent but cheap hotels (2k per night range) to stay would also be welcome.
TIA.

 

[rdst_1]

What kind of holiday are you looking for?
Bir-Billing is currently what Mcleodganj used to be. An idyllic small Himachal town where one can relax among nature with small cafes dotting the place. Mcleodganj right now is full of hotels and shops. What I suggest everyone is make Bir-Billing the base and go to McLo as a day trip as it is barely a 2hr ride.
As for booking either the Triund Trek or paragliding services, it is better to do face to face when you are here.

 

[puns]

https://www.travelbirbilling.com/ these are one of the good teams at bir
https://www.holisticadventures.in/ - Ask for Raj as guide to take you for triund trek and stay

 

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What kind of holiday are you looking for?
Bir-Billing is currently what Mcleodganj used to be. An idyllic small Himachal town where one can relax among nature with small cafes dotting the place. Mcleodganj right now is full of hotels and shops.

aka Goa today compared to the 70s-80s

 

[logistopath]

What kind of holiday are you looking for?

Laid back and relaxed holiday. Not at all keen on checking sightseeing points off a list.

As for booking either the Triund Trek or paragliding services, it is better to do face to face when you are here.

We were worried that since it'll be peak season, the more reliable operators would be fully booked and unable to accommodate.

https://www.travelbirbilling.com/ these are one of the good teams at bir

Will check it out. It's on our shortlist, after birbillingair.com

https://www.holisticadventures.in/ - Ask for Raj as guide to take you for triund trek and stay

Will check with them. Thank you for your suggestions.

One other thing. We'll be self driving a rental car, coming from Chandigarh. Is there anything specifically that we should be aware of, with regard to safety, taxi unions, permits, etc.?

 

[rdst_1]

Unfortunately, in my opinion, for paragliding, there is no such thing as reliable operator. I went through someone known for a couple of friends and their experience was great a couple of times, but on one occasion, the same guys kinda ****ed up. I still prefer using them though as the weather is not in their hands all the time, but it's the way you handle disgruntled customers that they need to learn. When are you planning on coming? There are many homestays in Bir, where one room will cost you anywhere from 1500 to as low as 800 bucks depending upon the season. Bir Nest too is in a lovely location as is Zostel, but I wouldn't suggest those places if you are coming with kids as those places are frequented by people getting high. You shouldn't face any issues with regards to using a self-drive rental car.

 

[kuduku]

Laid back and relaxed holiday. Not at all keen on checking sightseeing points off a list.

We were worried that since it'll be peak season, the more reliable operators would be fully booked and unable to accommodate.

Will check it out. It's on our shortlist, after birbillingair.com

Will check with them. Thank you for your suggestions.

One other thing. We'll be self driving a rental car, coming from Chandigarh. Is there anything specifically that we should be aware of, with regard to safety, taxi unions, permits, etc.?

1. Then base should not be McLeod or Dharmshala , You will be stuck in traffic and mad house of tourist hill station .
4. No issues of passes etc

 

[logistopath]

When are you planning on coming? There are many homestays in Bir, where one room will cost you anywhere from 1500 to as low as 800 bucks depending upon the season. Bir Nest too is in a lovely location as is Zostel, but I wouldn't suggest those places if you are coming with kids as those places are frequented by people getting high.

From May 3rd/4th staying till the 7th is the tentative plan right now. We are 4 adults and 2 kids, so definitely avoiding hostels/dorms.

 

[rdst_1]

From May 3rd/4th staying till the 7th is the tentative plan right now. We are 4 adults and 2 kids, so definitely avoiding hostels/dorms.

You shouldn't worry about availability for those dates as that is just the beginning of tourist season and end of paragliding season (for serious solo pilots). Both those hostels have lots of double occupancy rooms as well and very beautiful views, so that's why I was suggesting them, but not with kids as you will see a lot of people 'smoking up' at both those places. But if you feel that prior booking is needed, then do go ahead. I don't have many suggestions in that regard because I haven't used any of these hotels myself and I host my friends at my place mostly.

If you were coming before 29th,we could have even had a small TE meetup as another TE member is here right now.

 

[logistopath]

Both those hostels have lots of double occupancy rooms as well and very beautiful views, so that's why I was suggesting them

Checked out both a little while ago. Their guest policy mentions an age restriction of 18+ and they do not recommend it for families with kids.

 

[kuduku]

Checked out both a little while ago. Their guest policy mentions an age restriction of 18+ and they do not recommend it for families with kids.

HomeStays are definetely recommended . Their are ones with 3 odd rooms + kitchen run by their staff . Whole house is yours
I had stayed at Banikhet Homestay , away from mad rush , near to all tourist locations , enjoy sunrise and sunset and also went to Bir for paragliding
Whole house was ours with their staff staying for cooking and maintenance . Dont expect 5 star delicacies and variety in food with a simple local chef .

 

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Dont expect 5 star delicacies and variety in food with a simple local chef .

At the end of a long day that might be all you need. What the locals eat prepared properly as opposed to what sells in a restaurant.

 

[rdst_1]

@logistopath - Bro, paragliding has been banned in Bir till 27th April. Have no clue if it will open up even after that. Please plan accordingly. I will keep you apprised of the situation, but it's not looking good at the moment when it comes to flying.

 

[logistopath]

@logistopath - Bro, paragliding has been banned in Bir till 27th April. Have no clue if it will open up even after that. Please plan accordingly. I will keep you apprised of the situation, but it's not looking good at the moment when it comes to flying.

That's unfortunate. Does this have to do with some accident that was reported a few weeks ago? Thanks for the update, and do keep me informed.

 

[logistopath]

Ban on paragliding lifted, tourists throng Bir Billing

Hundreds of tourists descended on Billing at the weekend today to enjoy paragliding. The state government had imposed a complete ban on paragliding following fatal mishaps which had claimed half a dozen lives in the past year. After notifying certain safety guidelines Deputy Commissioner Kangra Dr N

www.tribuneindia.com

Looks like the ban has been lifted.

 

[rdst_1]

Ban on paragliding lifted, tourists throng Bir Billing

Hundreds of tourists descended on Billing at the weekend today to enjoy paragliding. The state government had imposed a complete ban on paragliding following fatal mishaps which had claimed half a dozen lives in the past year. After notifying certain safety guidelines Deputy Commissioner Kangra Dr N

www.tribuneindia.com

Looks like the ban has been lifted.

This is an older article, if you check the dates. This was about the previous ban. However, I've received news that even this ban is going to be lifted tomorrow. I'll confirm when I see tandems flying tomorrow or day after.

 

[blr_p]

Looks like lots off fun

But yeah thermals (updrafts/downdrafts) can come from anywhere and topple the chute or force it in unintended directions. It takes experience

 

[rdst_1]

Ban on paragliding lifted, tourists throng Bir Billing

Hundreds of tourists descended on Billing at the weekend today to enjoy paragliding. The state government had imposed a complete ban on paragliding following fatal mishaps which had claimed half a dozen lives in the past year. After notifying certain safety guidelines Deputy Commissioner Kangra Dr N

www.tribuneindia.com

Looks like the ban has been lifted.

Sorry for the delay, but the ban was lifted on the 27th as promised by the govt. Try and get a quick flight in the morning as clouds form very quickly these days and the weather is generally hazy as well.

 

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Everybody is making tourist videos these days

Best months, April - June and September - October

 

[logistopath]

Sorry for the delay, but the ban was lifted on the 27th as promised by the govt. Try and get a quick flight in the morning as clouds form very quickly these days and the weather is generally hazy as well.

Thank you. Am back after a wonderful trip to McLeodganj. As you said, weather was a tad unpredictable, and the paragliding operators we had booked online (www.birbillingair.com) called us the day before our appointment and updated us about the same. We were asked to report at Billing at 7 AM in the morning, which we did. Fortunately, weather was perfect at that time, and all of us enjoyed the paragliding activity. The entire thing took around 1 hour (traveling to the launch site from Billing, preparing for launch, and the actual paragliding part). We also noticed that within 30 minutes of us landing, the weather became dark with mild drizzling, and all paragliding activity got suspended. So we were lucky on that part.

Triund trek was an entirely different experience altogether.. It was tiring and difficult in some parts, but the camp at Triund top made up for all the effort. It was an amazing experience. My 12 year old son, and 14 year old nephew also took part in both the activities, so it was extra special.