Soar high along the stunning mountain range,
with the gentle flatlands to your south and the spectacular back drop of the Himalayas to your north. This is flying utopia and a wonderful
place to discover by air!
Trips run every October
Soar high along the stunning mountain range, with the gentle flatlands to your south and the spectacular back drop of the Himalayas to your north. This is flying utopia and a wonderful place to discover by air!
We aim to focus on one big XC flight per day, where we fly as far as possible, along the impressive Himachal mountain range, with the stunning Himalayan back drop, to either Dharmasala to the west or Mandi to the East.
Based on flying skill and experience level, a guide will be allocated to pilots, to maximise their potential for the day. We will work with less experienced pilots taking it easy and focussing on improving your thermaling techniques, while gently pushing your XC envelope each day. If you are a top-gun pilot, then we will lead you, sometimes pushing you on speed sections to improve your speed-to-fly technique and help you max the day. If you enjoy flying high, we will work on high altitude flights, going over the back and exploring deeper terrain based on your ability and quality of the day.
No matter the day's plan or route, our ultimate aim for each day is to have the most amount of fun flying safely and within limits, in this amazing landscape !
The plan is to fly in and out of Delhi Airport. From there, you can either take a domestic flight to Dharamsala, followed by a 2hr car drive to Bir. The other budget option is to take the overnight Delhi-Bir bus.
Daily mountain transport is included in your course fees. We do not run a retrieve service in Billing, as the local taxis are plenty and very effective in bringing you back home.
Every year we stay at the Colonel's Resort, the best place in Bir to fly and relax ! Breakfasts are included and there is a daily option to choose from a delicious buffet dinner spread. Besides, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in town for evening meals or to enjoy coffee and cake on off days.
Single rooms are available at a supplement cost and partners are welcome to join too. We can organise tandem flights, trips to nearby temples, monasteries and towns.
October is prime season for flying Bir. The month starts off with mild conditions and shorter days, ideal for learning thermalling and small XC flights.
Around mid-October, the base rises between 3000-5000', allowing longer days and the potential for long XC flights of 100kms and over.
It stays flyable well into November, is less crowded and still holds potential for 50-100km flights on most days.
This intensive trip is designed to give you much more knowledge in XC flying and glider control as possible, it will enable you to fly in thermals, and on XC’s, with a better understanding of coring, decision making and route planning etc. With this new knowledge & skill, you will be able to focus on the positive aspects of flight like finding lift and flying further. To make the most out of this trip, you need to have flown one minimum XC flight of 30kms and have logged at least 50hrs airtime as a pre-requisite. We also highly recommend having done atleast one SIV course to have good wing control skills.
Once you are all oriented with the terrain, typical XC Routes include flying to Dharamsala to the west, or flying to 360 campsite, which is a turn point on the east ridge, or continuing further on to Mandi.
We are aware the conditions can be strong sometimes, so if you ever feel you have had enough, or you just want to chill-out, then just let us know and we will set more relaxing tasks.
We assume that you will arrive with a functional paraglider, harness and reserve parachute, and flight instruments.
It is very cold at base, we recommend flying in thick down jackets, multiple layers and thick or ideally heated gloves. On the ground, days are warm and nights are quite chilly, so bring adequate warm gear.
It is essential that you have travel insurance which covers you in respect of the following :
1. Medical Treatment
2. Medical Repatriation
3. Search & Rescue by helicopter
Do give this Risk Acceptance a read and make sure you understand and accept the risk involved.
