The Social Stays Bir

The sleepy village of Bir in India's Joginder Nagar valley might just be the place to find inner peace. Hugged by hill stations and Tibetan monasteries, this rural retreat lets you escape into absolute tranquility. Learn about yoga and meditation at a local spiritual school, join worshippers at an ancient temple or sample ethnic foods at a street market. Whether you're a master yogi or simply visiting Bir to watch the sunrise over tea gardens, you'll want to stay for the cultural festivals that make the place come alive with colour. 

At a hostel in Bir with an open-air terrace, watch paragliders float over thick greenery. Stay at a Bir hostel built by artists for a homely feel or get a breath of fresh air at a place with lots of outdoor space. Choose a hostel with common rooms to mingle with other travellers, and if you're on a budget, there are places with self-catering kitchens. Plenty of hostels in Bir have free Wi-Fi access too.

Bir village is a serene spot for taking a moment to yourself. Learn meditation and yoga at one of the spiritual schools around the town centre or visit a temple to observe Buddhist traditions. On the outskirts of Bir, you'll find the Tibetan Colony with its craft market shops and authentic Tibetan cooking. Head to nearby Kangra for even more escapism, where you can dip into hot springs said to have healing properties.

There's a special kind of magic in Bir, and nowhere is this clearer than at Baijnath Temple. This ancient monument lies nestled in peaceful gardens and surrounded by mountain vistas. Centre yourself with a yoga or meditation lesson at a school in the village, or head to Bir Road to pick up local handicrafts at the colourful market. Bir Billing Valley has roads that can only be accessed by horse, foot or mountain bike, making it the ideal place to get away from it all.

If you're planning on flying into Bir, Kangra Airport is your closest arrival point. From there, it's a 2-hour journey to the village. Buses run regularly from big cities like Dharamshala and Delhi, but buckle up for a 12-hour ride. You can get as far as Pathankot Railway Station if you're coming by train, after which it's 6-8 hours on a bus or 4-5 in a taxi. You'll get the most out of the natural beauty once you're in Bir by exploring on foot.