Pre PWC
Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh, India - November 6 - 9 2004

It was Billing again for Pendurkar who once more participated in the Paragliding Pre World Cup. The Nirvana team strength was larger with Piku, Hiren, who accompanied Pendu from Mumbai, Hari who joined in from Bangalore, our Dutch and Russian friends who came in from their respective countries.

This Pre-world Cup was the third consecutive event being organized here in which about 80 leading pilots from all over the world would participate. Once more paragliding tasks such as out-and-return distance, height gain and distance over a triangular course were the order of the day.

He ranked 36th amongst 76 pilots in the International category and 6th in the Indian category

Pre PWC
Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh, India – October 26 - 31 2003

Sanjay Pendurkar has been making it to Bir Billing every October for the past 5 years to fly in the big mountains, improve his flying skills and connect with the community of fellow paragliders who are drawn to this remote yet spectacular site with its immense XC possibilities and stunning views. For the last couple of times he has been joined by a few Nirvana Pilots. This year the circle widened as Pendu was to take part in the Paragliding Pre PWC held at Bir Billing after a lot of urging from the Nirvana Adventures team, well-wishers and friends.

The event was held in association with and according to the guidelines of the Paragliding World Cup Association (PWCA), the Federation Aviation International (FAI) recognized the event and granted it a 'Category-II Status' in international ranking. For a first timer on the competition circuit Pendu performed well keeping up with pilots of international calibre and state of the art equipment. He ranked 17th in the international category and 7th on in the Indian category.

Free Flying at Bir Billing
Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh, India – October 2002

If it is October it must be Billing: The Nirvana team makes it a point to fly at Billing the site made world famous by French Pilot Xavier Remond who set a world ‘out – and - return’ distance record of 134.9 km here in 92’.

Situated in the Dhauladhar Ranges and boasting magnificent views Billing is a great site for XC offering incredible flying for a short span in the month of October to end November. Distance flying along the mountain ranges to Manali (50 km) and Mandi (40 km) are possible on a good day. The flying here is thermic with the cloud base anywhere between 4000 and 5000 meters at this time of the year. Landing in the valley 4 miles below filled with rice fields and many landing options. A top to bottom takes about half an hour.

Accommodation in the village of Bir, 14 km away from the flying site with infrastructure in the form of basic guesthouses. Here lack of hot water and multi cuisine is made up for in the scenery department with spectacular panoramic views of the Pre-Himalaya mountain range. Tibetan temples and prayer flags flapping in the wind enhance the spiritually charged, tranquil atmosphere.

Having previously done the XC routes to Dharamsala & Jogindernagar, Pendurkar had been aiming for the more adventurous target of 50 km XC flight from Billing to Manali (50 km) crossing deserted valleys and stunning Himalayan scenery along the way. Piku and Hiren accompanied Pendu, Pankaj flew in from Moscow and Hari made it from Bangalore. It proved to be a breathtaking experience for all the pilots new to flying in the Himalayas the tallest mountain range the world.

Exploration and Free Flying
Shivneri, Maharashtra – November 2001

After many days of sun and the sky at Kamshet we had gone across to Pune indulge in the sizzler & pub routine. Sachin had another agenda though and we found ourselves heading further inland to check out the fly-abilities of Shivneri fort. We trudged uphill in the late afternoon to reach this rugged fort whose popularity stems from the fact that it is the birthplace of the freedom loving Shivaji.

We wandered amongst the impressive ruins, blown away by the equally impressive views as we scouted for a good takeoff point. Sachin flew with his camera and the great pic’s here are his contribution. The trip was made without any expectations but the flights were eventful. The site has great possibilities and we are definitely going back. Verdict – a promising XC site with a succession of ridges for as far as the eye could see. Definitely worth camping out here and exploring the possibilities for a few days.