Things To Do
in Bīr

Tibetan dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken or cheese; available at stalls and cafés across Bir, especially around the market and Tibetan Colony.

Must-Try!

Hearty Tibetan noodle soups that are perfect on cool mornings; try them at monastery cafés and small local restaurants.

Seasonal vegetable preparations, lentil dishes and rice often served during festivals — look for dhabas or community events to sample regional flavors.

Buttermilk (chaas) and simple dairy sweets from local producers; commonly available in village shops and market stalls.

Small market area with stalls selling snacks, momos, baked goods and takeaway tea; great for quick bites and people-watching.

Cluster of eateries near the Tibetan settlement offering home-style Tibetan and Nepali dishes, homemade pickles and simple desserts.

Dress modestly around monasteries and temples — shoulders and knees covered is appreciated. Remove shoes before entering religious buildings.

Ask permission before photographing monks, locals or inside religious spaces; avoid using flash in intimate rituals.

A simple 'Namaste' with folded hands is polite; in Tibetan settings you may hear or be offered 'Tashi Delek' as a greeting.

Be mindful of noise levels in meditation centers and monasteries. Public displays of affection are uncommon and may attract attention.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; small tips (INR 20–100 / USD ~0.25–1.50) for waitstaff, drivers or guides are common. For excellent service or full-day guides, 5–10% is appropriate.

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used, especially in small shops, markets and tea stalls. ATMs are available in Bir but can be limited — withdraw in larger towns when possible. Many cafés accept UPI and some accept cards, but connectivity may be unreliable.

April to June brings pleasant, warm days (15–25°C/59–77°F) ideal for paragliding and trekking; expect more tourists on weekends and book paragliding in advance.

July to September can be wet and humid with occasional landslides on rural roads; many outdoor activities continue but check local weather and road conditions.

October and November offer clear skies, crisp air and excellent visibility for flying and photography — one of the best times to visit.

December to February are cold (0–10°C/32–50°F), with frosty mornings and occasional snowfall at higher elevations; fewer visitors and cheaper accommodation, but some services may be limited.

Short to moderate uphill hike linking Bir village to the Billing takeoff area; offers expansive valley views and is commonly walked by visitors and pilots.

A multi-day trekking route in the Dhauladhar foothills popular with experienced trekkers and cross-country pilots; remote and scenic with alpine pastures.

Easy, family-friendly walks through terraces, small lanes and forest patches around Bir — great for birding and photography.

Gentle riverside trail connecting Bir area to the historic Baijnath temple complex; suitable for half-day outings and cultural stops.

A prominent Tibetan refugee population lives in Bir’s Tibetan Colony, running monasteries, shops and cultural centers; they shape much of the cultural life.

Ethnic Himachali people (Kangra/Gaddi groups) engaged in agriculture, hospitality and local trade; they maintain traditional festivals and crafts.

Backpackers, paragliding pilots, yoga and meditation practitioners from across India and abroad who form a transient, cosmopolitan community.

Residents and visitors who come for study, retreat and monastic training at Deer Park Institute and nearby monasteries.

Vegetarian food is widely available; many cafés and dhabas offer lentil, paneer and vegetable options. Inform cooks about preferences and ask about ghee/egg if you avoid them.

Vegan choices are common in traveler cafés (salads, vegetable curries, momos with vegetable fillings) but explicitly confirm dairy ingredients like butter or yogurt. Many places are accommodating if asked.

Rice-based dishes, lentils and many soups are gluten-free; wheat chapati and noodles are common so ask before ordering if you need strict avoidance.

Drink bottled or treated water, avoid uncooked salads from uncertain sources, and prefer busy stalls or well-reviewed cafés to reduce risk of stomach upset.