There are limited options to stay in Bir and Billing. There are a few guesthouses and resorts in Bir but tourists prefer to stay in Palampur as there are quite a few accommodation options available. Most budget hotels and cottages are situated in Chandpur tea estate. Mid-range resorts are located on Neugal Khad. The town also has many privately owned guesthouses which offer budget stay. One can also choose to stay in heritage hotels that provide luxury accommodation.
WHERE TO EAT
There are a few cafes in Bir. Other than that eating options are limited in Bir and Billing.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Bir and Billing is between the months of February to November.
WHAT TO SEE
Chokling Monastery: The exile branch of the Chokling Monastery was built by Neten Chokling Pema Gyurme in Bir and is currently a home to his reincarnation- Neten Chokling Rinpoche. Chokling Monastery has a large stupa and a statue of Padmasambhava.
Palpung Sherab Ling Monastery: Situated in Bhattu in Bir-west, it is the monastic seat of Kenting Tai Situ Rinpoche of the Karma Kagyu lineage. The monastery also offers periodic courses in Buddhist mediation and philosophy.
NEAR BIR AND BILLING
Tashijong Monastery: About 12 km from Billing lies the Tibetan monastery which is also a handicrafts manufacturing unit.
Andretta: Situated 13 km from Billing lies the tiny attractive village of Andretta where lived Norah Richard who devoted herself to dramatics. Known as Artist’s Village, Andretta is located 14 km fromPalampur. The village has various crafts and pottery shops. Kangra Miniature paintings can also be bought here. Shobha Singh Art gallery and Norah Richard’s house showcase some fine collection of paintings. Andretta pottery and crafts society also teach the art of pot making and other crafts.
Baijnath: About 12 km away from Bir, Baijnath is situated on the banks of Gomti in Garur Valley. It is famous for its 13th century temples.
Palampur: A hill station 35 km from Bir, it is extremely popular for its tea gardens. It is often called the ‘Tea Capital of North India’. It is a popular honeymoon destination.
Kangra: Located at the confluence of Majhi and Bener streams, Kangra is located 60 km from Bir.Kangra is a popular destination amongst trekkers. Chamunda Devi temple, Baijnath temple, Brijeshwari temple, Naam Art Gallery and Al-Hilal are other places worth visiting.
Mandi: Known as the ‘Varanasi of East’ because of its stone temples, Mandi the is second most populous town in Himachal Pradesh after Shimla. It is situated 70 km from Bir.
Dharamsala: Dharamshala is situated in the picturesque Kangra valley against the backdrop of Dhauladar Mountain ranges. Dharamshala serves as the capital of the Tibetan Government in exile. It is situated 80 km from Bir.
