The World from above

I reached Bir and boarded a bus to the institute which conducts paragliding activities there. I kept all my luggage there and from thereon it was just me and my camera in a taxi that would drop us at Billing, the take-off site for paragliders. The road was a bit bumpy and could not accommodate a bus with its narrow width. The spontaneity with which I left to experience my first glide was the only reason that I was more excited than scared to take up this adventure. If I would have thought about it for a long time then I would probably had gone back home from Mandi itself. Well, the glider who was to drive me in the sky with the parachute, Mr. Vasudev, had told me that I was supposed to run downhill so as to get the required lift for the flight. With my weight, this became even easier and the parachute lifted me up from where I stood. The World from above is an extraordinary experience. The mesmerising view of Bir valley, Bir forests and ofcourse the white Dhauladhar Range was more than satisfying to my eyes. There were moments when the wind would just zoom in and spark out the fear of being way above land in me but I couldn't have missed this one. Away from the world, away from whatever instills greed, away from all worries; there I was, gliding in the ocean of air and freedom. Landing was as smooth as the take off and as soon as I reached down, I wanted to do it again. I can't thank Vasudev bhaiya enough for keeping me safe and showing me the best of Himachal from the most exotic location in the world.