Paragliding in India: On the wing in Bir

Bir is well known as one of the best paragliding sites in the world. In October 2015 I joined a Jocky Sanderson XC group and we spent two weeks honing our skills on the edge of the big mountains.

I was there the same time as the Paragliding World Cup – a high profile competition circuit in the sport. That was a blast! The video below is not by me, but captures it all perfectly.



Days start about 10am and last until about 5pm in the air. The classic route is a 90km out-and-return to the town of Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama. No sign of him, but plenty of close up action with the amazing Himalayan Griffon Vultures. These are some of the biggest birds in the world and will happily surf your wing up close.

I spent a long time trying to get decent photos of them as they cruised in close. This one here is my best. Thanks to Jocky and his team at Escape XC for providing the perfect kickback-and-enjoy flying holiday.