02/04/2018
Getting to Bir: Your Ultimate Guide from Pathankot and Dharamshala
Nestled in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Bir is a renowned paragliding destination and a tranquil haven for those seeking spiritual solace and natural beauty. Whether you're arriving from the plains or already exploring the charming towns of Pathankot or Dharamshala, reaching Bir is an adventure in itself. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the essential information to plan your journey, covering various modes of transport, estimated travel times, and practical tips to make your travel to Bir as smooth as possible.
By Air: The Nearest Gateway
The closest airport to Bir is Gaggal Airport (also known as Dharamshala Airport), situated approximately 30-45 minutes south of Dharamshala town. While flights between Delhi and Gaggal have experienced suspensions in the past, it's always advisable to check with your travel agent or reliable travel websites for the latest flight schedules. It's crucial to be aware that flights to and from Dharamshala can be subject to last-minute cancellations due to weather conditions or other operational issues. Therefore, it's highly recommended to factor in some buffer time in your itinerary and have a backup plan in place. Upon arrival at Gaggal Airport, you can complete your journey to Bir via bus or taxi.
By Train: A Journey Through the Hills
For those who prefer the romance of train travel, there are two primary routes to consider when travelling to Bir from Pathankot:
Option 1: Train to Pathankot, then Bus or Taxi
This is the most commonly chosen route for train travellers. You'll need to take a train from your origin city, such as Delhi, to either Pathankot or Chakki Bank. These are neighbouring railway stations in Punjab, and both serve as valid entry points. From Pathankot/Chakki Bank, you can then embark on the remaining leg of your journey to Bir. This can be done via a bus, which typically takes between 6 to 8 hours, or by hiring a taxi, which offers a quicker journey of approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Option 2: Train to Pathankot, then the Toy Train to Ahju
For the truly adventurous and patient traveller, or those with a deep affection for heritage railways, an even more immersive experience awaits. You can take a train to Pathankot and then board the charming narrow-gauge 'toy train' that departs daily from Pathankot to Ahju. Ahju is a small station located just 3 kilometres from Bir, situated below the Bir Road intersection. If your overnight train from Delhi arrives in Pathankot on time, you can often make a connection with the toy train, which usually departs an hour after the arrival of most overnight trains from Delhi. This connection is generally feasible, especially if you are travelling on faster trains like the Rajdhani or Shatabdi Express, though delays are always a possibility.
The Toy Train Experience: A Matter of Perspective
The toy train journey is a unique experience, but it's not for everyone. The ride is considerably long, taking around seven hours, and the train moves at a leisurely pace, often described as being as slow as a glacier. It can also be quite crowded. Some travellers find the extended duration and the somewhat bumpy ride to be tiring. However, for others, the breathtaking Himalayan scenery that unfolds along the route more than compensates for any discomfort. If the idea of a seven-hour train journey, punctuated by inspiring mountain vistas, sounds like a form of moving meditation, then this option is highly recommended. Otherwise, opting for a bus or taxi might be a more comfortable choice. For those who do opt for the toy train, it's wise to bring a cushion or a thick jacket to make the somewhat rattly journey more bearable, and perhaps a good book to pass the time.
By Bus: An Affordable and Accessible Option
Buses offer a cost-effective and widely available way to reach Bir. Several reputable bus operators and online booking platforms can be used:
- Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC): Their Volvo A/C buses are particularly recommended for their comfort.
- RedBus.in: A popular platform for booking bus tickets across India.
- Laxmi Holidays: Offers comfortable private buses to and from the Tibetan Colony in Bir, also bookable via RedBus.in.
From Delhi to Bir
The bus journey from Delhi to Bir is a substantial one, typically taking between 12 to 14 hours. Buses depart from the Inter-state Bus Terminal (ISBT). Your destination will likely be either Baijnath or Bir Road. Bir Road is closer to the main settlement, but most buses originating from Delhi terminate at Baijnath. There are usually two overnight buses from Delhi to Baijnath, departing in the mid-evening and arriving in the early morning. If your bus journey concludes in Baijnath, you will need to make arrangements for the final leg to Bir (detailed in the 'From Baijnath' section below).
From Pathankot/Chakki Bank to Bir
Upon reaching Pathankot or Chakki Bank, you can board any bus heading towards Dharamshala, Kangra, Palampur, Baijnath, Mandi, Manali, or Shimla. From these buses, you will need to disembark at a point from where you can connect to Bir. Refer to the notes for Dharamshala and Baijnath below for onward travel instructions.
From Dharamshala to Bir
The bus journey from Dharamshala to Bir typically takes around four to five hours, depending on traffic, bus schedules, and the number of stops. Here are the most convenient ways to travel:
- Direct Buses: There are two daily direct buses from Dharamshala to Bir Road/Upper Bir, departing at 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM from the Dharamshala bus station. This is the most straightforward option, with a travel time of approximately four hours.
- Via Baijnath: Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Dharamshala to Baijnath and then continue your journey to Bir by local bus or taxi.
- Connecting Buses (Last Resort): If direct bus timings are not suitable, you can take a bus to Palampur and then catch another bus onward to Baijnath or further east. Another option is to board any bus heading east from Dharamshala (towards Jogindernagar, Mandi, Manali, or Shimla) and request the driver or conductor to drop you off at Bir Road. Be mindful not to travel past Chauntra or Jogindernagar, as these are beyond Bir. This method can take anywhere from three to five hours.
From Baijnath to Bir
If your bus journey terminates in Baijnath, you are just a short distance from Bir. The remaining 20-30 minute journey can be completed by either bus or taxi. Taxis are readily available and typically charge around Rs 250. If you opt for a bus, there are frequent local buses that run directly to Upper Bir, usually departing every half hour. Alternatively, you can catch any bus heading east from Baijnath (towards Jogindernagar, Mandi, Manali, or Shimla) and ask to be dropped off at Bir Road.
Reaching the Tibetan Colony
It's important to note that not all buses make stops directly at the Tibetan Colony. If your accommodation is in the Colony and your bus doesn't go there, you have a couple of options. You can take a taxi from your drop-off point. Another convenient method is to take a bus to Upper Bir and request to be dropped off at Chowgan Chowk. From Chowgan Chowk, it's about a 1km walk west along Chowgan Road to reach the Tibetan Colony, which takes approximately 10 minutes.
By Taxi: The Fastest, But Most Expensive, Route
For those prioritizing speed and convenience, hiring a taxi is the most direct method of reaching Bir from both Pathankot and Dharamshala. However, it is also the most expensive option and the least environmentally friendly. If you are travelling by car, consider sharing the ride to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Estimated Taxi Fares and Durations:
| From | To | Estimated Duration | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pathankot | Bir | 4-5 hours | 1700-2000 |
| Dharamshala | Bir | 2 hours | 1000-1400 |
| Baijnath | Bir | 20 minutes | 250 |
| Bir Road | Chowgan (incl. Tibetan Colony, Deer Park) | 5 minutes | 60-70 |
| Bir Road | Upper Bir | 10 minutes | 90-100 |
For information on getting around the Bir area once you've arrived, including typical local taxi fares, please refer to our dedicated 'Getting Around' page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the quickest way to get to Bir from Pathankot?
The quickest way is by taxi, taking approximately 4-5 hours.
Q2: Is it possible to fly directly to Bir?
No, there is no airport in Bir. The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (Dharamshala), which requires onward travel by bus or taxi.
Q3: How long does the bus journey from Dharamshala to Bir take?
The direct bus journey takes about 4 hours. Indirect routes can take longer.
Q4: Is the toy train from Pathankot to Ahju a good option?
It depends on your preference. It's a scenic but slow and potentially uncomfortable journey. If you enjoy slow travel and beautiful views, it's a great option. Otherwise, bus or taxi is recommended.
Q5: How can I book bus tickets to Bir?
You can book tickets through websites like HRTC, RedBus.in, or Laxmi Holidays.
Planning your trip to Bir from Pathankot or Dharamshala involves choosing the mode of transport that best suits your budget, time constraints, and travel style. Whether you opt for the scenic train ride, the economical bus journey, or the convenient taxi, your adventure to this Himalayan paradise is sure to be memorable.
If you want to read more articles similar to Bir Bound: Your Guide from Pathankot & Dharamshala, you can visit the Travel category.