15 international and 70 Indian pilots to participate in Junga event
Pallavi Sharma
DHARAMSHALA: As Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla gears up to host an international paragliding festival from October 25 to 28 (2025) at Junga, the skies over Bir Billing, India’s most celebrated paragliding destination, remain empty this season.
Hailed as the “Mecca” of paragliding, Bir Billing is witnessing an unusually quiet peak season, with local operators blaming government neglect and a lack of initiative from the Tourism Department.
The 3rd Shimla Paragliding Flying Festival and Hospitality Expo-2025 will see 15 international and 70 Indian pilots soar through the skies of Junga. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will inaugurate the event on October 25, while wrestler The Great Khali is set to attend as chief guest on October 26.
Organisers say that pilots from seven countries will participate in the event, which also includes the Pre-Paragliding Accuracy World Cup and Pre-Asian League Championship. According to Arun Rawat, the festival director, the event is part of a broader effort to promote adventure tourism in Shimla and the surrounding region. A display of traditional Himachali crafts, food and cultural performances will add to the festival’s appeal for tourists.
Safety measures have been enhanced and renowned international judges have been invited to ensure fair play during the competition.
However, while Shimla celebrates, seasoned flyers and tourism stakeholders question the choice of venue. Unlike Bir Billing, Shimla does not have natural, high-altitude take-off points or thermals ideal for long-duration flights. “Shimla may be a scenic venue, but in terms of geography, it doesn’t offer what Bir Billing does. It’s more suited for demonstration flights than serious sport,” said a veteran pilot from the Bir region.
Bir Billing left behind
Despite being ranked among the top global paragliding sites, Bir Billing has yet to host any major event this year. Local paragliding associations, pilots and hoteliers express deep disappointment, claiming that their peak tourist season has been wasted.
“This is the time when our skies used to be full of colour and activity. But this year, even after the monsoon restrictions were lifted, we’ve seen less than half the usual tourist numbers. The government has shown no interest in reviving Bir,” said Anurag Sharma, president of the Billing Paragliding Association (BPA).
The BPA organised the Bir-Billing Paragliding Cup last year, the first major event since 2015, using its limited funds. However, due to the lack of support this year, the association decided not to apply for clearance again. “It’s disappointing that a site with five natural takeoff points, eight-hour-long flights, and global recognition is being ignored,” Sharma added.
Tourism, safety and promises in limbo
Hotel occupancy in Bir Billing has dropped to below 30%, a figure well below normal for this season. Local hoteliers are frustrated. “The government talks about making Kangra the tourism capital, but ignores its biggest asset. Bir Billing has the infrastructure, the reputation, and the experience — what we don’t have is government backing,” said Satish Abrol, president of the Bir Billing Hotel Association.
Further concerns have been raised about deteriorating infrastructure and safety. Kuldeep Thakur, from the Paragliding Pilot Union, highlighted problems with take-off sites, including the lack of proper grassing and maintenance. “Unlicensed operators are putting tourist safety at risk. If this continues, Bir’s reputation will suffer internationally,” he warned.
Many recall the promises made by the Chief Minister about annual events to boost local employment and adventure tourism. “All we’ve got are speeches. Bir Billing only becomes a topic during election campaigns or tourism seminars — never in real policy,” said a senior BPA member.
“While Shimla enjoys the spotlight with its upcoming flying festival, the irony is hard to miss. The most natural paragliding terrain in India, which once hosted world cups and international championships, is being overshadowed by a location with no comparable flying advantages.” He said.
Unless urgent steps are taken to revive Bir Billing’s adventure tourism ecosystem, experts fear that India’s premier paragliding destination may soon lose its standing, both at home and abroad.
