Cheapest Travel Destinations for Indian Backpackers Ranked
By Priya Nair (Solo and budget travel writer — backpacking, hostel guides, student travel and first-time-flyer tips for Indian travellers.) · Published · 11 min read
The cheapest international destinations for Indian backpackers, ranked by total trip cost including flights, daily expenses, and visa fees.
Quick answer
The cheapest international destinations for Indian backpackers in 2026, ranked by total cost for a 10-day trip: Nepal (INR 20,000-35,000), Sri Lanka (INR 30,000-50,000), Vietnam (INR 45,000-70,000), Cambodia (INR 45,000-70,000), Thailand (INR 50,000-75,000), and Indonesia/Bali (INR 55,000-85,000). Rankings factor in flight cost from India, daily expenses, and visa fees. All costs are approximate — search live for current prices.
How we rank destinations
Our ranking considers three factors:
- Flight cost from India: Average return fare from Delhi/Mumbai, booked 4-6 weeks ahead
- Daily backpacker cost: Hostel dorm + street food/local restaurants + local transport per day
- Visa cost and hassle: Free/easy = better ranking
We do NOT include shopping, activities, or alcohol in daily costs — those vary too much by personal preference. All figures are approximate ranges based on backpacker-level travel as of mid-2026. Actual costs vary by season, exchange rates, and individual spending habits. Always verify current prices before budgeting.
Tier 1: Under INR 40,000 for 10 days (including flights)
1. Nepal
- Flights: INR 5,000-12,000 return from Delhi (extremely cheap)
- Daily cost: INR 1,000-2,000 (Kathmandu/Pokhara)
- Visa: Free on arrival for Indians
- Total 10-day trip: INR 15,000-32,000
- Why: Closest, cheapest, no visa needed, stunning trekking. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the world's best budget adventures.
Delhi to Kathmandu flights are the cheapest international flights from India.
2. Bhutan
- With the reduced SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) for Indian tourists and regional visitors, Bhutan is more accessible now. Daily costs vary — the SDF and tour requirements have changed multiple times, so verify the latest policy.
- Indians do not need a visa — just a permit obtainable at the border or airport.
Tier 2: INR 40,000-60,000 for 10 days
3. Sri Lanka
- Flights: INR 8,000-18,000 return from Chennai/Bangalore
- Daily cost: INR 1,500-2,500
- Visa: Free ETA on arrival
- Total: INR 23,000-43,000
- Why: Close to South India, excellent food, beautiful beaches and hill country, no visa hassle. Chennai to Colombo is barely an hour.
4. Vietnam
- Flights: INR 15,000-28,000 return from Indian cities
- Daily cost: INR 1,200-2,500
- Visa: e-visa required (approximately INR 2,000)
- Total: INR 29,000-53,000
- Why: Incredible food, dramatic landscapes, extremely cheap once there.
5. Cambodia
- Flights: INR 15,000-25,000 return (usually via Bangkok or KL)
- Daily cost: INR 1,500-2,800
- Visa: VOA approximately USD 30
- Total: INR 32,000-55,000
- Why: Angkor Wat alone justifies the trip. Siem Reap is a great backpacker base.
Tier 3: INR 60,000-90,000 for 10 days
6. Thailand
- Flights: INR 12,000-22,000 return from Delhi/Mumbai
- Daily cost: INR 1,800-3,000
- Visa: VOA (15 days) or e-visa (60 days)
- Total: INR 30,000-52,000 (can stretch to 70,000+ with islands)
- Why: The classic backpacker destination. Delhi to Bangkok has the most options.
7. Indonesia (Bali)
- Flights: INR 18,000-30,000 return
- Daily cost: INR 1,800-3,500
- Visa: VOA approximately USD 35
- Total: INR 38,000-65,000
8. Malaysia
- Flights: INR 12,000-22,000 return
- Daily cost: INR 2,500-4,000
- Visa: Visa-free 30 days
- Total: INR 37,000-62,000
9. Georgia
- Flights: INR 20,000-35,000 return via Dubai or Istanbul
- Daily cost: INR 1,500-2,800
- Visa: e-visa required
- Total: INR 35,000-63,000
Tier 4: INR 90,000-1,50,000 for 10 days
10. Hungary/Poland/Czech Republic
- Flights: INR 25,000-45,000 return
- Daily cost: INR 2,500-4,000
- Visa: Schengen visa required (INR 7,000-8,000)
- Total: INR 62,000-1,05,000
11. Turkey
- Flights: INR 20,000-35,000 return
- Daily cost: INR 3,000-5,000
- Visa: e-visa (approximately USD 50)
- Total: INR 50,000-85,000
12. Colombia
- Flights: INR 50,000-80,000 return (long-haul)
- Daily cost: INR 2,000-3,500
- Visa: Visa-free 90 days
- Total: INR 70,000-1,15,000
Use FlightGPT to search current fares for any of these destinations — prices fluctuate significantly by season and booking window.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest country to visit from India?
Nepal is the cheapest international destination from India. Flights cost as little as INR 5,000 return, no visa is needed, and daily backpacker costs are INR 1,000-2,000. A 10-day Nepal trip can cost under INR 20,000 including flights.
Is Southeast Asia cheaper than Europe for Indian backpackers?
Yes, significantly. Southeast Asian countries cost INR 1,200-3,000 per day for backpackers, while even the cheapest Eastern European countries cost INR 2,500-4,000 per day. Flights to Southeast Asia are also 30-50% cheaper than flights to Europe from India.
Which is cheaper: Thailand or Vietnam?
Vietnam is cheaper overall. Daily backpacker costs in Vietnam are INR 1,200-2,500 compared to INR 1,800-3,000 in Thailand. However, flights to Bangkok from India are often cheaper than flights to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Total trip cost ends up similar for short trips.
Are these budget estimates realistic?
These are backpacker-level estimates: hostel dorms, street food, local transport. They do not include alcohol, shopping, tours, or upscale dining. Actual costs can be lower if you cook and use work exchanges, or significantly higher if you upgrade accommodation or add expensive activities.
When is the cheapest time to travel from India?
Generally, shoulder seasons offer the best combination of cheap flights and low daily costs. For Southeast Asia, June-September (monsoon for some areas). For Europe, April-May and September-October. For Nepal, October-November and March-April. Flight prices also drop on weekday departures.