Experience Bir in June & July: Complete Travel Guide Beyond Paragliding
Bir in June is synonymous with paragliding, attracting thrill-seekers from across the globe to its renowned Bir Billing launch site. This charming hill station in Himachal Pradesh reveals its true personality through diverse experiences that cater to digital nomads, culture enthusiasts, music lovers, and nature seekers alike. Have you ever wondered what makes a destination truly special beyond its headline attraction? Bir’s essence lies in its unique blend of Tibetan Buddhist culture, adventure sports, thriving café scene, sustainable tourism practices, and an emerging reputation as one of India’s top workation destinations.
During these months, when Bir’s temperature hovers around a comfortable 20-25°C, it transforms into more than just an adventure sports destination. The monsoon-washed landscapes create perfect conditions for trekking, mountain biking, monastery visits, and immersing yourself in the famous Bir Music Festival. So, whether it’s meditating in ancient monasteries, trekking through mist-laden trails, or savouring a cup of freshly brewed tea amidst panoramic views, Bir in June offers an enriching experience that goes beyond the skies.
In this Blog
Things To Do in Bir in June & July
Explore Paplung Sherabling Monastery in Bhattu
Established by the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche, this monastery is a hub for Buddhist teachings and meditation retreats. The magnificent Paplung Sherabling Monastery, located in nearby Bhattu village, offers one of the most authentic cultural experiences for your trip to Bir in June. The monastery’s stunning architecture, featuring traditional Tibetan design elements against the backdrop of lush green hills, creates an atmosphere of tranquility that’s particularly enhanced during the clear summer days of June and July. Visitors can witness the intricate Tibetan architecture, participate in prayer sessions, and experience the serene ambiance that pervades the monastery grounds.
Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The monastery also houses a remarkable library containing ancient Buddhist texts and hosts workshops on traditional Tibetan arts like thangka painting and wood carving. During your visit, don’t miss the spectacular 360-degree views of the Kangra Valley from the monastery grounds.
Adventure Trekking in Bir Hills
Bir offers a plethora of trekking routes that cater to both novices and seasoned trekkers. The monsoon months of June and July rejuvenate the trails, with waterfalls cascading down the hillsides and wildflowers blooming in abundance. Popular treks include the Bir-Bangoru-Rajgundha trail, which takes you through remote villages where traditional Himachali life continues unchanged, and the challenging trek to Bara Bhangal, known for its pristine alpine scenery.
Picture Credits: World T.E.A.M. S via Flickr
These treks also offer opportunities to encounter local wildlife, including a variety of bird species, making them ideal for nature enthusiasts. What sets Bir’s trekking scene apart is the combination of natural beauty with cultural immersion – many trails pass through traditional Gaddi shepherd settlements where you can experience authentic mountain hospitality. Local guides, many of whom are experienced paragliders themselves, offer insights not just into the terrain but also into the local culture and ecology.
Mountain Biking in Bir
For adventure enthusiasts, mountain biking through Bir’s rugged terrains and forested paths offers an exhilarating experience. What makes mountain biking special among Bir’s tourist attractions and activities is the variety of terrain available within a small area, from gentle rides through villages to challenging technical descents. Local bike rental shops offer quality mountain bikes suitable for challenging terrain, and the biking community organizes regular group rides that often combine cycling with cultural stops at monasteries and traditional tea houses, creating comprehensive experiences that showcase places to visit near Bir.
Picture Credits: Picryl
Try Out the Lovely Cafes in Bir and Around
Bir’s café scene has evolved into something truly special, transforming this mountain village into an unexpected hub for digital nomads and coffee enthusiasts. The café culture perfectly embodies modern connectivity needs with traditional mountain hospitality, creating spaces that represent some of the best things to do in Bir for remote workers. Establishments like Garden Café, Avva Café, and June 16th Café have become legendary among travelers for exceptional coffee, reliable Wi-Fi, and stunning mountain views.
Bir in June and July, allow many cafés to extend outdoor seating areas, creating perfect spots for morning coffee with mountain views or evening discussions. These establishments support local entrepreneurship and have become informal community centers where travelers share experiences about Bir tourist attractions, plan adventures including paragliding in Bir Billing, and form lasting friendships that extend far beyond their mountain stay.
Bir Music Festival in June
The Bir music festival has established itself as one of India’s most unique cultural celebrations, typically held in June when the weather offers perfect outdoor conditions. This isn’t just another music festival – it’s a carefully curated experience combining indie music, sustainable practices, community building, and adventure activities that perfectly embody what makes things to do in Bir so special beyond typical tourist activities.
Picture Credits: Birgit Fostervold via Unsplash
The festival attracts national and international artists performing across multiple stages, creating intimate atmospheres where audiences interact directly with performers. What makes this festival special among Bir’s tourist attractions is its commitment to sustainability and community involvement, working closely with locals to ensure economic benefits while minimizing environmental impact. Activities extend beyond music to include workshops, meditation sessions, and adventure sports demonstrations that showcase the diversity of places to visit near Bir.
Bir Music Festival Guide
The Bir music festival stands as India’s largest sustainable mountain music festival retreat, transforming peaceful Bir into a vibrant celebration of indie music, art, and conscious community living. Scheduled for June 14-15, 2025, this 48-hour non-stop musical extravaganza represents one of the most anticipated things to do in Bir during the peak summer season.
Festival Highlights and Features:
- 50+ Artists including Rajeev Raja, Zen Zephyr, Amitabh Sen, and Nizami Bandhu
- Two dedicated music stages ensure continuous entertainment throughout the festival duration
- Mega flea market featuring over 30 sustainable and local brands showcasing eco-friendly products
- Large food court with over a dozen food vendors offering traditional Himachali cuisine to international favorites
- Art workshops and experiences, including traditional Himachali crafts and contemporary art installations
- Adventure activities including waterfall hikes, rock climbing demonstrations, and Bir Billing paragliding exhibitions
Bir Music Festival Tickets:
- Economy Camping Package: Rs. 7,700
- Standard Couple Package: Rs. 17,200
- Solo Stag Ticket: Rs. 8,700
- Deluxe Couple Stay Package: Rs. 19,200
Places To Visit Around Bir
McLeod Ganj – The Little Lhasa Experience
Approximately 50 km from Bir, McLeod Ganj is known for its Tibetan culture, monasteries, and the residence of the Dalai Lama. The journey from Bir takes about 1.5 hours through scenic mountain roads, making it perfect among places to visit near Bir that add cultural depth to any Bir Billing package experience.
Visit Dharamshala in June
Dharamshala encompasses both lower Dharamshala and upper McLeod Ganj, serving as the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile with numerous attractions, including the Norbulingka Institute and Kangra Art Museum. The town has become a major digital nomad hub with co-working spaces and cafés that complement the workation scene, making things to do in Bir increasingly popular among remote workers.
Picture Credits: Abhijit Athavale via Flickr
Solang Valley in Manali
Located near Manali, Solang Valley is a haven for adventure sports like zorbing, skiing, and paragliding. The lush greenery during monsoon adds to its charm. Approximately 4 hours from Bir, Solang Valley offers different adventure sports experiences with zorbing, paragliding from different terrains, and seasonal skiing. While distance makes it suitable for longer trips, the valley’s adventure offerings provide interesting comparisons to the Bir Billing paragliding scene.
Barot Valley
About 2 hours from Bir, Barot Valley represents one of Himachal’s hidden gems with pristine forests, excellent trout fishing, and camping sites offering complete urban disconnection. The valley’s unspoiled nature makes it perfect for travelers seeking authentic mountain experiences among places to visit near Bir.
Tirthan Valley
This stunning valley, approximately 3 hours from Bir, has gained recognition as one of India’s premier eco-tourism destinations with traditional Himachali architecture, organic farming practices, and trekking opportunities, including access to Great Himalayan National Park. The valley’s commitment to sustainable tourism aligns perfectly with Bir’s evolving identity.
Dainkund Peak Trek
Known as the “Singing Hill,” Dainkund Peak near Dalhousie offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The trek provides excellent photography opportunities and chances to experience high-altitude meadows, making it an excellent place to visit near Bir for trekking enthusiasts.
Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Manikaran Gurudwara
Located in Parvati Valley, about 4 hours from Bir, Manikaran combines spiritual significance with natural hot springs believed to have healing properties. The surrounding area offers trekking opportunities to villages like Tosh and Malana, creating diverse experiences combining spirituality, adventure, and cultural exploration.
Bir in June reveals itself as far more than just a paragliding destination – it emerges as a complete mountain experience perfectly balancing adventure, culture, sustainability, and community. Whether seeking adrenaline through mountain biking and trekking, spiritual enrichment through monastery visits, creative inspiration in vibrant cafés, or cultural immersion through the Bir music festival, this Himalayan village offers experiences that resonate long after departure.
As you plan your visit, remember that Bir’s true magic lies not in any single activity but in the combination of experiences creating lasting memories. The extensive Bir tourist attractions, thriving cultural scene, and incredible places to visit near Bir make this destination special year-round.
