Bir Billing

Bir Billing Geography

Bir is located at in the Tehsil (administrative subdivision) of Baijnath, in the District of Kangra in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated approximately 50 km (31 mi) southeast of Dharamshala at a distance of two to three hours by road. It is 14 km south of Billing, which lies on the way to the Thamsar Pass leading to Bara Bhangal. Geologically, Bir is situated in the Joginder Nagar Valley, Dhauladhar Range of the foothills of the Indian Himalayas. The nearest railway station is Ahju, on the narrow-gauge line running between Pathankot and Jogindernagar via Kangra. Road access to Bir is from the Bir Road turnoff (signposted) on [[National Highway 20 (India)|N H20]( Now NH 154)], approximately midway between Baijnath and Jogindernagar.

Paragliding World Cup Bir Billing

The paragliding World Cup 2015 is set to commence from the 21st of October in Bir. The Bir-Billing area is a popular site for paraglider pilots, both Indians and visitors from all over the world.[9] The flying season is from September to October, with some flying also done in November. The village continues to host periodic international competitions and events. The paragliding launch site is in the meadow at Billing (14 km north of Bir),at an elevation of 2400 metres,[9] while the landing site and most tourist accommodations are in the village of Chowgan (also spelled Chaugan),on the southern edge of Bir.

Bir Tibetan Colony

In 1966 the third Neten Chokling (1928-1973),an incarnate lama of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, brought his family and a small entourage to Bir. With the help of foreign aid Neten Chokling purchased over 200 acres of land and established a Tibetan settlement where 300 Tibetan families were given land to build houses. At this time Chokling Rinpoche also started building in Bir a new Neten monastery and disciples who had followed him into India formed its first sangha. When the third Chokling Rinpoche died in 1973, his eldest son, Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche (b 1951),assumed responsibility for completing his father’s vision. The fourth Neten Chokling incarnation was born in 1973 in Bhutan and brought to Bir at a young age where the family of the third Chokling took him under their wings. In 2004 full responsibility for Pema Ewam Chögar Gyurme Ling Monastery in Bir was passed to the fourth Neten Chokling.