The village Bir (Elevation 1400m) located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, is internationally famous as the base for some of the best paragliding in the world. The take-off point at Billing, 14km up a winding road from Bir and 1000m higher, hosts major competitive flying events, Most years in October & November. Experienced paragliders fly as far as Dharamshala Mandi and Manali from here. Bir is also an important center of the Tibetian exile community: The lower half is known as the Tibetan colony and there several Buddhist Monasteries and institutes in and around Bir, Some of which attract a number of followers for courses and retreats.