Have you ever wanted a getaway that’s a mix of calm monasteries, chilly mountain cafés, secret waterfalls, and the thrill of flying off a cliff (safely)? Then let me take you along a journey that started with backpacks, ended with paragliders, and carried a whole lot of soul in between.

The Calm Before the Climb: Arrival at Dharamshala

After hours of winding roads, playlists on loop, and neck pillows that didn’t really help, we finally arrived in Dharamshala. There’s something surreal about stepping into the mountains after a long journey, like the Himalayas themselves are saying, “Take a breath, you’re here now.”

The rest of the day was all about slowing down. We checked into our hotel, dropped our bags, and just… existed. Sometimes, that’s all you need to recharge. That and some hot chai.

Monks, Maggi & Monasteries

Waking up to the Himalayan skyline isn’t something you can ever get used to and you shouldn’t.

After breakfast with views that deserved a painting, we set out for McLeod Ganj. The vibe? A soulful blend of Buddhist chants and mountain mist.

• First stop: The Dalai Lama Temple. Silence has a sound here.
• We wandered through Kalachakra Temple, admired the Namgyal Monastery, and stood in awe before colorful prayer flags that told stories of peace.
• The Tibetan Museum hit us differently. Quiet, yet powerful. A reminder of resilience.

Evening? Picture this: sitting by Dal Lake, wrapped in jackets, sipping on soup, and slurping Maggi as the sun dipped behind deodar trees. The kind of peace you want to bottle up.

Late evening was spent hunting souvenirs and sipping lemon ginger honey tea. McLeod’s local market doesn’t rush you – it invites you.

Hidden Trails & Himalayan Cafés

Today was for boots, waterfalls, and a little bit of sweat.

• We hiked to the Bhagsunag Waterfall, a short but scenic trek that made us earn our reward: Shiva Café. Perched near the falls, it serves hot pasta and cooler vibes. Imagine indie music, rustic walls, and mist all around.
• Post-lunch, we drove to the War Memorial, a quiet, dignified space surrounded by pine forests – perfect for a reflective pause.
• Our last pitstop? Dharamshala Tea Garden, where rows of green rolled like waves across the hills. We picked up some fresh tea – partly for the taste, mostly for the memory.

As the day faded, we drove to Bir Billing, with the sunset keeping pace beside us. The anticipation of what was coming next? Unbearable and beautiful.

Paragliding & The Mad King Music Fest

This was it.

We woke up in Bir. No alarms needed – our hearts were racing.

• Bir Billing is the paragliding capital of India, second highest in the world. And we were here, ready to run off a cliff. (With a parachute, of course.)
• The take-off felt like stepping into a dream. Air whooshing past, mountains below, sky above — 20 minutes of pure freedom. No fear, just flight.
• And just when we thought the adrenaline couldn’t peak any higher, The Mad King Music Fest took over the evening. Live bands, bonfires, starlit skies – it was magic. The kind of night where you dance barefoot, forget your phone, and just be.

Overnight at Bir, under the same sky we had flown in earlier that day.

Backpacks & Goodbyes

Our final breakfast in Bir was quiet. Not because we were tired, but because we didn’t want to leave.

We packed not just our clothes, but memories – of Tibetan chants, mountain hikes, flying dreams, and musical nights. The 6-hour drive to Chandigarh was mostly a mix of shared photos, sleepy heads, and silent smiles.

Still thinking about going?

Go. Don’t overthink it. Let the mountains surprise you, the waterfalls cool you, and the sky carry you.

After all, adventures don’t begin with a perfect plan – they begin with a packed bag and a restless heart.

Pro tip for fellow wanderers: While you’re soaking in the vibe of Bir Billing, don’t miss out on these soulful cafes:

• Shiva Cafe | Link – Iconic, misty, and a trekker’s delight near Bhagsunag Waterfall
• Moonpeak Espresso | Link – A charming spot in McLeod Ganj known for its great coffee, art gallery, and cozy ambiance
• Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen | Link – Cozy interiors and cheesy pastas perfect after a day of exploring
• Four Seasons Cafe | Link – A warm, welcoming vibe with Tibetan and continental fusions
• Trek n Dine | Link – Chill rooftop setting and killer views to go with their pancakes and pizzas

You can do it all – from serene monasteries to sky-high paragliding and musical nights – without lifting a finger for the logistics.
Banjara and Gypsy Travels takes care of everything with ease and comfort. If you’re ready to chase clouds, culture, and a little bit of madness, you can reach them at +91 96329 40054.

Just pack your bags. The mountains are waiting.