7 Paragliding Launch Points in Himachal Beyond Bir Billing

When the mountains open their arms and the wind begins to speak in gentle currents, Himachal becomes the closest thing to a natural runway in India. Bir Billing may hold the crown, but the state hides countless launch points where the skies feel wider, the silence deeper, and the sense of freedom unmatched.

For travellers seeking places less explored but equally breathtaking, here are seven paragliding launch points in Himachal beyond Bir Billing, complete with price ranges, best seasons, and what makes each destination unforgettable.

Himachal’s Best Paragliding Beyond Bir

1. Solang Valley, Manali

Solang Valley feels like a natural amphitheatre carved by glaciers and winds. When you stand on the take-off meadow, you’re surrounded by towering peaks, snowfields shimmering in the distance, and pine forests rising in gentle walls around you. The launch is smooth and beginner-friendly, but the views feel larger than life.

Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500
Address: Solang Valley, 14 km from Manali town
Best Season: March–June, October–February
Why Fly Here: The winter flights are spectacular, with the entire valley wrapped in white.

2. Khajjiar, Chamba

Khajjiar looks like a dream even from the ground, an emerald meadow framed by dense cedar forests. From the sky, it becomes a painting. As you rise, the meadow shrinks into a green island floating amidst tall forests and distant Himalayan peaks. The flight is long, scenic, and soothing.

Price Range: ₹2,500 – ₹4,000
Address: Khajjiar Ground, near Dalhousie, Chamba District
Best Season: March–June, September–November
Why Fly Here: Nowhere else do you glide over a sunlit meadow and a dense cedar ring at the same time.

3. Naggar / Kullu Valley

Naggar blends culture and nature in the most beautiful way. You take off from ridges above apple orchards, terraced fields, and old Himalayan homes. Below you, the Beas River shimmers like a silver ribbon cutting through the valley. The winds here are steady, making it ideal for long, gentle glides.

Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹3,200
Address: Naggar Village, 22 km from Kullu
Best Season: April–June, October–December
Why Fly Here: The view of Kullu laid out like a hand-painted canvas is unforgettable.

4. Dharamshala (Indrunag Launch Point)

Indrunag is where paragliding turns meditative. The Kangra Valley opens endlessly beneath you, fields, tea gardens, winding paths, and faraway villages glowing like tiny dots. The Dhauladhar peaks frame the sky with dramatic ridges, but the winds remain gentle most seasons.

Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
Long flights up to ₹5,000
Address: Indrunag, 4–5 km from Dharamshala
Best Season: February–June, September–November
Why Fly Here: A rare mix of mountain cliffs and tea-estate scenery from above.

5. Parashar Lake Ridge, Mandi

High-altitude, raw, and wild, Parashar’s ridgelines are for flyers who want something truly different. The take-off zones are perched high above deep valleys, dense forests, and ridges that ripple into the distance. Flights here depend on weather, but on a clear day, the views stretch endlessly.

Price Range: ₹3,500 – ₹6,000
Address: Ridge zones 2–4 km from Parashar Lake
Best Season: April–June, October–November
Why Fly Here: The sense of elevation and wilderness is unmatched anywhere in Himachal.

6. Shimla (Junga / Kufri Region)

Shimla’s Junga and Kufri paragliding zones offer a calmer, softer experience. Flights gently rise above rolling hills, pine forests, and occasional glimpses of colonial rooftops. It’s a favourite for families and first-timers who want the thrill without the intensity.

Price Range: ₹2,500 – ₹3,500
Address: Junga (20 km from Shimla), Kufri (16 km from Shimla)
Best Season: March–June, September–November
Why Fly Here: The combination of forest views and smooth wind makes it perfect for beginners.

7. Kangra Valley (Maharana & Haripurdhar Belt)

These launch points feel vast and untouched. The sky opens wide, the wind corridors are perfect, and the crowds are minimal. Here, paragliding feels almost private, just you, the pilot, and miles of open air.

Price Range: ₹2,500 – ₹4,500
Cross-country flights: ₹5,000 – ₹7,000
Address: Maharana (Kangra District), Haripurdhar (Sirmaur District)
Best Season: February–June, September–December
Why Fly Here: Ideal for long-distance flyers and those who crave raw, unfiltered landscapes.

Best Season Summary (Quick Glance)

• Solang Valley: Spring, Summer, Clear Winter
• Khajjiar: Spring, Post-monsoon
• Naggar/Kullu: Spring, Autumn
• Dharamshala/Indrunag: Late Winter, Spring, Autumn
• Parashar Ridge: Spring, Autumn
• Shimla (Junga/Kufri): Spring, Post-monsoon
• Kangra Valley: Late Winter, Spring, Autumn–Early Winter

Quick Paragliding Safety Checklist

Paragliding is exhilarating, but safety is your strongest wing. Keep this checklist handy.

Before the Flight

• Choose certified pilots and licensed operators
• Inspect the harness, helmet, and reserve parachute
• Check wind conditions and visibility
• Avoid heavy meals before flying
• Wear layered clothing and sturdy shoes
• Tie long hair and remove loose accessories
• Share any health concerns with your pilot

During Take-off

• Follow the pilot’s commands closely
• Run forward confidently during take-off
• Do not sit until instructed

During the Flight

• Keep movements steady
• Do not panic if the glider turns, it's normal
• Inform the pilot if you feel discomfort

During Landing

• Lift your legs slightly to avoid stumbling
• Follow the pilot’s cue for a smooth touchdown
• Step away from the wing after landing

Additional Notes

• Avoid flying in extreme winds, fog, or storms
• Weight limits usually apply (typically 30–90 kg)
• People with heart or respiratory issues should consult a doctor

Final Thoughts

When you rise above Himachal’s ridges, the world below turns quiet, slow, and unbelievably beautiful. These seven launch points remind you that adventure doesn’t always live where the crowds go. Sometimes, the best flights are waiting in valleys that whisper instead of shout, in meadows that stretch endlessly, and in winds that carry stories older than the mountains themselves.

If you’re ready to see Himachal from the sky, these are the places where your journey truly begins.