Paragliding and rafting restart in Kullu–Manali, and Bir Billing is flying again after the monsoon ban

Update — 25 September 2026: Bir Billing is flying again

Paragliding at Bir Billing resumed on 19 September, Hindustan Times reported on 22 September. Flying was due to restart on 16 September, but bad weather extended the suspension to 18 September. The Billing Paragliding Association told the paper that about 800 flights were recorded on each of the first two days, with almost all commercial pilots flying three times a day — the maximum a pilot is allowed at Bir Billing (Kullu district’s cap is five).

“Whenever the weather is not suitable, we briefly halt flying activities. We have deployed marshals at both the take-off and landing sites,” Baijnath’s Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Sankalp Gautam, told Hindustan Times, adding that repairs are planned at the take-off site. This update rests on one newspaper report; we have not found a district notice. Our report of 16 September, which recorded Bir Billing as not yet confirmed, follows unchanged.

Kullu and Manali: restarted (confirmed)

River rafting and paragliding in Kullu district restarted on 16 September, when the seasonal ban in force since 15 July ended. The Tribune reported on 15 September that the activities would resume, and Dainik Jagran reported on 16 September that they had started that day, with paragliding in Solang valley and rafts back on the Beas. District Tourism Development Officer Rohit Sharma told The Tribune the sites had been inspected and found safe.

According to The Tribune, about 600 registered rafts and 671 registered paragliding pilots are covered. Rafting runs on three stretches, at Pirdi, Babeli and Raisan, of 7 to 14 kilometres. Paragliding is allowed at nine sites, including Gadsa, Raisan, Dobhi, Solangnala, Kothi, Peej and Gulaba. Pilots are limited to five flights a day and must keep a logbook.

No advance booking is needed. Tourists register and pay at counters at the designated sites. The Tribune gives the fee as ₹3,000 per person for rafting and ₹3,500 per person for paragliding flights of more than 30 minutes. Dainik Jagran gives the rafting fee as ₹500 to ₹3,000 per person across the three sites, so the price depends on the stretch you choose.

Bir Billing and Kangra: announced, not yet confirmed

In Kangra district, which includes Bir Billing, The Tribune reported on 12 September that paragliding was set to resume from 16 September. District Tourism Officer Vinay Dhiman said the department had begun inspecting the district’s three designated sites, including Bir Billing, before operations restart. As of 17 September we have not found a report confirming that flying has actually started at Bir Billing, so treat it as announced, not confirmed. Check with your operator before travelling there to fly.

What it means for travellers

Autumn is the main adventure season in Himachal, and Manali will host a Paragliding Accuracy Pre-World Cup on 5–8 October, according to Dainik Jagran. Fly or raft with a registered operator at an approved site, ask to see the pilot’s or guide’s registration, and avoid activities in heavy rain. Our Manali pages cover the rest of the valley.

Sources

This report is based on the following published sources. Rules and schedules change — confirm with the issuing authority before you travel.

• River rafting, paragliding to resume in Kullu from Sept 16 after two-month monsoon ban — The Tribune, 15 September 2026
• हिमाचल में एडवेंचर टूरिज्म शुरू: मनाली की सोलंग घाटी में पैराग्लाइडिंग; ब्यास की लहरों में उतरी राफ्ट (Adventure tourism restarts in Himachal) — Dainik Jagran, 16 September 2026
• Himachal: Paragliding set to take off again in Kangra — The Tribune, 12 September 2026
• Himachal: Paragliding resumes at Bir-Billing after two-month monsoon break — Hindustan Times, 22 September 2026