Bir sits in a wide bowl of tea gardens and terraced fields at the foot of the Dhauladhar, with the Tibetan colony and landing ground at Chowgan, old Bir village above it, and small hamlets like Gunehar and Khopu scattered around. Almost everything worth seeing is within a short drive, and some of the best places in the region — Barot, Rajgundha, Baijnath — make easy day trips.
Here are the places we send our friends to, roughly in order of distance from Bir.
In Bir
Chokling Monastery (Tibetan colony)
The heart of Bir’s Tibetan community. The monastery was founded by the third Neten Chokling Rinpoche, who settled Tibetan families here in the 1960s. The large white stupa in front is busy every evening with people walking the kora and spinning prayer wheels. Visitors are welcome in the courtyard; be quiet and respectful during prayers.
Deer Park Institute
A centre for the study of classical Indian wisdom traditions, set up in 2006 by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. It runs courses and retreats through the year — worth checking their calendar if you want more than sightseeing.
Bir Tea Factory and tea gardens
The cooperative tea factory offers tours, and the surrounding gardens are perfect for an early-morning walk. Buy some local Kangra tea to take home.
The landing ground at Chowgan
Where the paragliders come down. Sit on the grass in the afternoon and watch.
Within a short drive
Billing (14 km)
The paragliding take-off at around 2,400 m, with huge views over the Kangra valley. The road climbs through pine and oak forest; go early to enjoy the meadow before the flights begin. Billing is also the start of the Rajgundha trek.
Gunehar village and waterfall
A small village just outside Bir with an art residency, a gallery café and a waterfall a short walk upstream. Our separate Gunehar guide covers it in detail.
Palpung Sherabling Monastery (near Bhattu)
The seat of Tai Situ Rinpoche, in quiet pine forest about 15 minutes by taxi from Chowgan. A large and beautiful monastery complex — take your time here.
Baijnath Temple (about 15 km)
One of the best-preserved stone temples in Himachal, dedicated to Shiva as Vaidyanath, the lord of physicians. The temple dates to the early 13th century and is still an active place of worship. It is especially busy at Mahashivratri. Baijnath is also the nearest town for buses and supplies.
Day trips
Machhiyal Lake and Joginder Nagar (about 20 km)
A small sacred lake in Mandi district where the fish are worshipped and fishing is strictly forbidden. See our full Machhiyal guide.
Barot (about 60 km by road)
A green valley on the Uhl river, reached via Joginder Nagar and a winding mountain road. Known for its trout, riverside walks and the old haulage way built for the Shanan hydro-electric project. Barot can also be reached on foot from Rajgundha.
Rajgundha (12–14 km trek from Billing)
A remote meadow valley in Chhota Bhangal at around 2,700 m, reached by trail from Billing or by road and a short walk from the Barot side. The best overnight trip from Bir — see our Rajgundha guide.
Palampur and Dharamshala
Palampur, the tea capital of Kangra, is about an hour away; Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj are about 2–3 hours by road. Both make long day trips, but they are better as separate stops on a Kangra valley journey.
Suggested 3-day plan
- Day 1: Chokling Monastery, Deer Park, tea gardens, the landing ground at sunset, Siddu and chai in Khopu.
- Day 2: Tandem flight from Billing in the morning, Sherabling in the afternoon, Tibetan dinner in the colony.
- Day 3: Gunehar village and waterfall in the morning, then Baijnath temple or Machhiyal Lake.
More places worth knowing about
Upper Bir village
Above Chowgan, the old village of Bir has narrow lanes, traditional slate-roofed houses and a small local bazaar. It feels very different from the café strip — walk up in the morning when people are opening their shops.
Dzongsar Institute, Chauntra
A short drive from Bir, near Chauntra, the Dzongsar Institute is a large monastic college of Buddhist philosophy. It is a place of serious study, but visitors are generally welcome in the grounds; go quietly and check at the gate.
Dharmalaya Institute, Ghornala
Between Bir and Sansal, Dharmalaya is a non-profit centre for compassionate living, known for its earth-and-bamboo buildings, retreats and volunteering programmes. Visits are by arrangement, so contact them before you go.
Andretta artists’ village (near Palampur)
On the way to Palampur, the small village of Andretta has a long history as an artists’ colony and is well known for its pottery studio and workshops. It pairs nicely with a visit to Gunehar if you enjoy art in rural settings.
Tashi Jong
Between Baijnath and Palampur, Tashi Jong is another Tibetan settlement with a beautiful monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu tradition. Quieter than Bir, it is a peaceful stop on a day exploring the Kangra valley.
Getting around
- Taxis wait in Chowgan and Upper Bir; agree the fare (and waiting time) before you set off.
- Scooter and bicycle rentals are available in Chowgan — ride carefully on narrow village roads.
- Local buses run along NH 154 between Baijnath and Joginder Nagar; from the Bir turnoff you will need a taxi or auto.
- The Kangra Valley Railway stops at Ahju near Bir — slow, scenic and very cheap.
Where to eat
Chowgan has most of the cafés, the Tibetan colony has the best momos and thukpa, and Upper Bir has simple dhabas. And when you are near Khopu, our cart serves Himachali Siddu, chai and more every day from 11am to 11pm.
Distances are approximate road distances from Bir. Taxis are easiest for day trips; agree the fare before you set off.
Frequently asked questions
Which monasteries can you visit in Bir?
The main ones are Chokling Monastery in the Tibetan colony and Palpung Sherabling near Bhattu. Deer Park Institute also runs courses and teachings.
Is Baijnath close to Bir?
Yes. Baijnath and its 13th-century Shiva temple are about 15 km from Bir, under half an hour by road.
Can you visit Barot from Bir in a day?
Yes. Barot is about 60 km by road via Joginder Nagar, roughly 2–2½ hours each way, so it makes a full day trip.
