Most people land in Bir for the sky. They watch paragliders drift down from Billing's 2,400-metre takeoff and figure that's the whole story. It isn't. Tucked into the folds of the Dhauladhar foothills, the forests around Bir hide stream-fed waterfalls, old shepherd paths, and village trails that rarely make it into a travel itinerary. If you're willing to walk a little further than the landing site, this is what you'll find.
The Rajgundha-Lambadug Trail
The climb from Billing towards Rajgundha village is well known among serious trekkers heading for Thamsar Pass, but few stop long enough to notice what's along the way. Past Rajgundha, as the trail enters thicker cedar and oak forest, a series of small cascades appear where snowmelt streams cut across the path near Lambadug Thach. There's no signage, no entry fee, just cold mountain water tumbling over moss-dark rock. Pack layers even in summer; the forest canopy here holds onto the chill.
What to expect on the way
- A steady uphill walk of several hours from Billing, best started early
- Shepherd huts and grazing meadows once you clear the treeline
- River crossings that are easy in autumn, trickier during monsoon melt
Chelsa Ridge and the Hidden Fall Behind Billing
Few paragliding tourists realise that the ridge above Chelsa village, just below the main Billing takeoff, hides a seasonal waterfall fed by glacial runoff. It's a shorter detour than Rajgundha, reachable in a half-day loop if you start from the Chelsa road and cut through forest rather than following the main jeep track. The water is loudest in May and June, right as the monsoon builds, and thins to a trickle by late autumn.
The Tea Garden and Bir Khad Walk
Closer to camp, the trail along Bir Khad, the stream that runs past the old tea estates, makes for an easy evening walk rather than a trek. Follow it upstream past the Tibetan colony and you'll reach a small, often-overlooked drop where the water pools before continuing down toward the valley. It's a good option on days when legs are tired from flying but still want to move.
A Quieter Alternative: Sherabling Forest Path
The walk up to Palpung Sherabling Monastery, set against the Dhauladhar backdrop, isn't about waterfalls but it belongs on this list anyway. The forest path leading up is shaded, steady, and opens to wide views of the valley and the monastery's gold rooftops. Combine it with a short detour toward Gunehar for village lanes, art spaces, and slower mountain rhythms.
Trekking Notes Worth Remembering
- Carry your own water and basic snacks; there are no shops past the villages
- Local shepherds and tea estate workers are usually glad to point out trail forks
- Early morning starts avoid both afternoon cloud cover and heat
None of these trails are marked on tourist maps, and that's rather the point. They reward the kind of traveller who's happy to ask a local for directions twice and still end up pleasantly lost once.
If you'd like a base to return to after a day of chasing waterfalls and forest paths, come stay with us at Camp Kelang, where the mountains are close, the bonfire is warm, and the stories only get better after dark.