Billing: A paragliding paradise draws global enthusiasts amid local concerns

Foreign paragliding pilots, visiting India to participate in the Paragliding World Cup, have praised Billing in Himachal Pradesh as one of the world’s top paragliding take-off sites. Joanna Kocot, a Polish pilot, described Billing as the “best take-off site in the world”, noting its broad expanse that allows pilots to launch from any direction depending on the wind. She added that the high Himalayan ranges enhance the breathtaking beauty of the location.

Dominik Kapica, another Polish pilot and a runner-up in his country’s paragliding cup, shared his excitement about competing in the World Cup at Bir-Billing, calling it an ideal site for paragliders. He expressed that the challenge and thrill of flying from Billing attract pilots from all over the world.

Goran Dimishkovski, another international competitor, echoed similar sentiments, stating that paragliding at Bir-Billing is a dream for pilots worldwide. He pointed out that October’s weather in the region is ideal for flying, making it a popular spot for pre-World Cup and World Cup events. Dimishkovski hopes Bir-Billing will one day host the Paragliding World Championship, the sport’s premier competition.

The area has also become a lucrative adventure tourism hub, with foreign tour operators offering paragliding experiences that include camping on remote Himalayan peaks with no road access. Pilots take off from Billing and land on these untouched peaks, where they camp overnight before flying back to Bir the following morning.

However, there are concerns about the economic benefits bypassing local communities. According to sources, foreign operators organise these tours, collecting significant revenue without contributing to the local economy. Currently, the state lacks regulations governing tour operations by foreign paragliding pilots.

Gurpreet Dhindsa, an experienced Indian pilot with nearly 30 years of flying in the region, highlighted this imbalance. He noted that while other countries restrict foreign tour operators from independently organising tours, Himachal Pradesh has no such rules. Dhindsa suggested that the Himachal Government should require foreign operators to collaborate with local instructors, which would boost local employment and enhance the safety of foreign pilots, as local guides are well-versed in the terrain.

In response to the growing popularity of paragliding in Billing, local stakeholders are advocating for regulations that would ensure that the economic benefits are shared with the community and that safety standards are upheld.

Key attractions

• Broad expanse for launching from any direction
• Breathtaking Himalayan views
• Ideal weather conditions in October
• Challenge and thrill of flying from high altitudes

Concerns

• Economic benefits bypassing local communities
• Lack of regulations for foreign tour operators
• Safety risks due to unfamiliar terrain

Proposed solution

• Collaboration between foreign operators and local instructors
• Regulations to ensure local employment and safety
• Boosting local economy through sustainable tourism practices