Dreaming of European landscapes without the hefty price tag? Georgia, with its stunning mountains, ancient monasteries, and vibrant cities, is a top pick for Indian travellers. But what's the real cost for a 10-day backpacking trip? Let's find out.
Flights: Your Biggest Expense
The
largest part of your budget will likely be the round-trip airfare from India to Tbilisi (TBS). As of late 2026, direct flights are available, with IndiGo offering routes from Delhi. Booking a few months in advance can land you a return ticket in the range of ₹32,000 to ₹45,000. Airlines like flydubai, Air Arabia, and Kuwait Airways often have competitive prices with one stopover. Flying during the shoulder seasons—April-May and September-October—can also help you find cheaper fares. If you book last minute, expect prices to climb above ₹55,000.
Visa and Insurance: Your Entry Ticket
Good news for many Indian travellers: if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries like the USA, UK, Canada, or Schengen states, you can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days. If you don't qualify, you'll need to apply for an e-Visa online. The process is straightforward and costs around $20 (approx. ₹1,700) for the visa fee, plus a mandatory $15 (approx. ₹1,250) for a verification step. So, budget around ₹3,000 for the visa. Additionally, travel insurance is mandatory for entry into Georgia, so be sure to factor in that cost.
Accommodation: Hostels and Guesthouses
Georgia is incredibly budget-friendly when it comes to accommodation. For a backpacker, hostels are the way to go. In major cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, you can find a comfortable and well-located dorm bed for about ₹800 to ₹1,500 per night. Family-run guesthouses are another excellent, affordable option, especially in mountain regions like Kazbegi, and often include a hearty breakfast. For a 10-day trip, a safe accommodation budget would be between ₹8,000 and ₹15,000.
Food: A Delicious and Affordable Affair
You can eat exceptionally well in Georgia without spending much. A budget traveller can comfortably get by on ₹1,200 to ₹1,800 per day. Local bakeries are your best friend for a cheap and filling breakfast; a large Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) can cost as little as ₹150-₹350. For lunch and dinner, a meal of Khinkali (soup dumplings) at a local restaurant is both delicious and economical, with each dumpling costing around ₹50-₹100. By mixing street food, bakery visits, and meals at local eateries, you can keep your food costs for 10 days under ₹18,000.
Getting Around: Marshrutkas and City Transport
Internal travel in Georgia is very cheap. The primary mode of intercity transport is the marshrutka, a shared minibus that is fast and frequent. For example, a trip from Tbilisi to the mountains of Kazbegi might cost around ₹400-₹600. A longer journey from Tbilisi to Batumi on the Black Sea coast could be around 30 GEL (approx. ₹950). Within cities like Tbilisi, the metro is highly efficient, with rides costing less than ₹50. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt are also widely available and offer very affordable fares for cross-city trips. A budget of ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 should easily cover all your transport needs for 10 days.
Activities and Everything Else
Many of Georgia's main attractions are free, including wandering through Tbilisi's Old Town, hiking to the Gergeti Trinity Church, and exploring ancient monasteries. For paid attractions like cable car rides or museums, the fees are generally low. You should also budget for a local SIM card (around ₹800 for a tourist plan) and keep a buffer for miscellaneous expenses like laundry, souvenirs, or a wine tasting tour in the Kakheti region. A sensible budget for activities and extras for a 10-day trip would be around ₹8,000 to ₹10,000.
The Grand Total: Your 10-Day Budget
So, how much does it all add up to? On a strict backpacker budget, you could manage a 10-day trip to Georgia for around ₹60,000 to ₹75,000. This includes finding a good deal on flights, staying exclusively in hostels, eating at local bakeries and canteens, and using public transport. For a slightly more comfortable budget, allowing for a few more restaurant meals, a private room on some nights, and a guided tour, a figure of ₹80,000 to ₹95,000 would be more realistic.
