"Not so Thrilling, yet an amazing experience. A must do activity in Life"
Written on : 21-February-2016
Visted During : December 2015
Some more Information
The flight starts from Bir which is hill top and is 14kms away from landing site (Billing). No extra charges for the jeep ride to top. Also, it is upto you how much you can Bargain. They give reasons of association decided price etc. But prices range from INR 2000 - INR 2500. It is absolutely safe and not frightening experience. The GoPro video can take photos as well. So, ask your guide explicitly help in taking selfies while gliding.
My Experience and Opinion
Some experiences cannot be captured in Photos or in words. Paragliding is one such. Because you fly freely in a scenic place with forest beneth you are snow covered mountains in the side. It is something to experience in life.
Billing paragliding was not present in our initial plan as we were unaware of this place. But, when we had been for a trek to Triund, we got to know about the place in the hotel where we stayed. Even our driver was very keen to take us there for some reason. Quick googling said us that it is one of the best paragliding spots in entire Asia and Paragliding world cup was organized here in 2015. That was enough and we decided to go there.
On the way, I asked our driver whether he had tried these kind of things sometime. He said he never said and said how could he spend 2000 on such things when he has 3 kids back in Delhi. Once we reached the landing site, me and my friends decided to pay for our driver as well and take him. Asked him if he wishes to join. He was hesitant but finally agreed.
The fun part of the entire billing paragliding started once our driver accepted. He was so thrilled that he was doing that but at the same time scared to the core. He started informing the organizers there about his address, vehicle etc. and asked them to inform his owner if something happens to him. We initially thought he was kidding. From the landing site,the organizers take you to take off point which is around 14 kms uphill. While on the way, our driver bought a bottle of 7UP and ThumbsUp saying this is to get courage. We again thought he is overacting and making this just for fun. But, the moment he brought it and told the dialogue, we were literally rolling on the floor.
Finally we were on the take off point. Apart from paragliding, the take off point itself is very beautifully located with snow covered mountains in one side and dense forest in another side. There were a lot of paragliding activity happening and we were waiting for out pilots(guides) to reach the spot. Once our pilots reached, we moved towards the take off point and believe me, that is the best time in entire paragliding. You do not know if it will be dangerous, scary etc. and you will be filled with lot of excitement. We had already started getting the feel of Paisa vasool.
The Flight
If you are looking only for a thrill or to feel adventurous then paragliding is not going to give a chill in your spine or make you close your eyes for a while etc. It is as simple as flying in an aero plane. Once you are given with helmet and the glider, wear helmet, the guide will help in fastening the belts of glider to your waist. Then? Simply run and jump out of a cliff. That is it. Then you can sit peacefully and enjoy the breeze, watch the birds view, take some selfies, show some creativity in capturing video etc. A good flight of around 20 mins is guaranteed. If you are lucky you might get around 30-35 mins of flight. That is good enough to enjoy the experience of flying freely.
The landing again is pretty simply. You just have to do nothing to land as well. I was at least expecting that the guide would ask me to run and I had almost thought of kinetic force etc. and thought I might have to run for a distance after landing etc. No, there is nothing of that sort. Simply keep your legs wide and stay calm. You will be in the ground safely.
GoPro videos will be provided within half an hour. We collected those videos but could not bargain later. We should have done that before booking for the video itself probably. So, if you are going here, then try bargaining, may be you will be able to save a few bucks.
My take on the place is, if you are anywhere around, then JUST GO! It is something to experience in life. When you want to do something like this, do it in the right place. Do not try these kind of activities in touristic places like Sholang pass of Manali where the flight is less than 5 mins with jump from peak to base directly. In billing, the flight is of good duration and they keep you flying in higher level for atleast 15 mins.
Photos
In the landing area
Sit calm...
Fly Calm
And finally, sit as calm as possible, you are landed safely.
Videos
Video 1 - Take off is the only tricky point here where the guide and the participant should put some effort together to make it happen.
Video 2 - Take Off
Video3 - The gliding and the scenic view. Gives you a feel of height
The Most Important asset while travelling - Google Maps
