From a scenic toy train ride to Pinterest-worthy cafés - Bir is a small mountain town with old-school charm, making it the perfect choice for a weekend getaway! Here are some Urbanaut-approved recommendations from our resident Bir contributor, Japleen Kaur.

WHAT TO SEE, EAT & DO IN BIR

Breakfast At Bhoomi 

Start your day, and weekend at the beautiful Bhoomi cafe. Experience the feeling of ‘being right at home’ while you bite into the cheesiest toasts, sourdough breads, and the fluffiest eggs. Sip on cold press juices as you admire the view of the Chokling monastery in the background. They renovated recently, and have an expensive new outdoor deck space for you to work and chill at. 

Time For Toy Train 

Post breakfast, head to the idyllic Ahju railway station - a mere 6-7 minutes from Bir by cab. The Kangra toy train is a lesser-known sibling of the renowned Shimla toy train. This is one experience that you shouldn’t miss when you are in the region. A picturesque route that passes tiny villages, a forest area, bridges and rivers. On a clear day, the Dhauladhar peaks are visible in all their glory. 

An Afternoon At June 16

With the excitement of that lovely train ride, come back to the Bir for a rather delicious lunch. June 16 is one of the more popular cafés in town, and for good reason. Named after the day the couple proposed to each other, many sunsets ago, this little cafe offers a variety to opt from - pastas, burgers, sandwiches, pancakes - choose your indulgence as you please!

A Stroll And All That You Can Shop 

After all the hogging, it’s only reasonable to stroll around the market area, and take in the vibe of the Tibetan colony. Shop for incense, sound bowls, handmade noodles and so much more! 

A Sunset To Remember 

End the day with a sundowner at Rooh by Truly Himalayan, a gorgeous bnb perched on top of the mountain. With your choice of drinks and a plethora of snacks to binge on, this sundowner experience is one for the books. Watch the sky change its colours, and the paragliders float by right in front of you. This evening will be a testament to just how magical Bir can be. 

HIKES, WALKS & OTHER SPOTS IN BIR

After a relaxed Saturday,  here’s what you can do on your last day to make it a memorable weekend. 

Hike To Her Cafe 

Or take a taxi - up to you! But an early morning hike is always worth it in the mountains, isn’t it? Start your Sunday with a scrumptious Himachali meal at the all-women-run Hike to Her Cafe in Gunehar, a village adjacent to Bir. 

Storytelling In Gunehar 

Kahaani Ki Dukaan is an expressive arts space where you can sign up for a session of aural storytelling. Learning more about the region, through the lens of the locals is always a great idea. Every session is followed by lunch at a local’s home - eating home-cooked meals right in the verandah of the residents of the region is surely an experience to remember! 

Walk In The Fields 

Gunehar is surrounded by endless fields with narrow trails. Choose any path and keep walking to your heart’s desire. There is no better way to explore a place, after all! A pro tip would be to pack a little picnic as well. 

Coffee At Pahadee 

When in Bir, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit Himachal’s only coffee roasters. Pahadee sources their beans from the finest farms in the country and prepares the freshest brews for their customers. You can also take a coffee 101 session while you’re there to get a crash course on this amazing beverage by the skilled experts. 

Now you can choose to witness the sunset from Pahadee cafe itself or you can go for your paragliding session. It is the reason that Bir is on the traveller’s bucket list, and the best time to fly is indeed during the sunset hours. 

Two days will never be enough for a place as breathtaking as Bir but this itinerary will give you the glimpse, and taste of all the wonderful things this hamlet has to offer! 

For other curated recommendations in other regions like Kumaon, Kangra & Garhwal, head here. 

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