Know Your Currencies
Before you start, get familiar with the local money. Georgia uses the Lari (GEL), and Armenia uses the Dram (AMD). As of September 2026, 1 GEL is roughly ₹36-37, and 1000 AMD is about ₹260. Knowing these conversions will help you manage your daily spending
effectively. While major cities accept cards, carrying cash is essential, especially for smaller purchases, local markets, and transport.
Visas and Pre-Trip Essentials
For Indian travellers, both countries offer relatively straightforward visa processes. An Armenian e-visa can cost as little as ₹700, while a Georgian e-visa may be around ₹3,000. However, if you hold a valid visa for countries like the USA or UK, you might be eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, which can be a significant saving. Always check the latest official requirements before your trip. Return flights from India to Tbilisi, Georgia, are your biggest pre-trip expense, typically ranging from ₹35,000 to ₹45,000 if booked in advance.
Accommodation: Your Biggest Saving
Staying in hostels is the key to a low-cost trip. In major cities like Tbilisi and Yerevan, a dorm bed in a well-reviewed hostel can cost between ₹900 and ₹1,300 per night ($10-15). For eight nights, you should budget approximately ₹7,200 to ₹10,400 for your stay. Many hostels offer great social atmospheres, free Wi-Fi, and sometimes even a basic breakfast, adding more value to your stay.
Getting Around: Cities and Cross-Border Travel
The most budget-friendly way to travel between Tbilisi and Yerevan is by marshrutka (minibus) or an overnight train. A marshrutka ride takes about 5-6 hours and can cost between 50 GEL and 70 GEL (around ₹1800-₹2500). An overnight train is another popular option, with third-class tickets starting around 70 GEL (₹2500), allowing you to save on one night's accommodation. Within the cities, public transport like the metro in Tbilisi is incredibly cheap, with rides costing less than ₹30. For convenience, ride-hailing apps offer affordable short trips.
Daily Food and Drink Budget
You can eat very well in both countries without spending much. A daily food budget of ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per person is realistic. Start your day with pastries from a local bakery for under ₹100. For lunch and dinner, indulge in local staples like Khachapuri (cheese bread) in Georgia and Khorovats (barbecue) in Armenia from inexpensive restaurants, where a filling meal can cost ₹500-₹800. Restaurant meals are generally cheaper in Georgia than in Armenia. To save more, look for hostels with communal kitchens to prepare some of your own meals.
Sightseeing and Activities
Many of the best experiences in Georgia and Armenia are free, such as wandering through the old towns of Tbilisi and Yerevan or admiring the architecture of ancient churches from the outside. For paid attractions, entry fees are generally low. For example, a day tour from Tbilisi to the Kazbegi mountains might cost around $35-55 (₹2900-₹4600), while smaller local attractions will be much less. Budget around ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 for activities over eight days to comfortably cover entrance fees and a couple of guided tours without feeling restricted.
The Final Tally: A Sample 8-Day Budget
So, what's the total? A backpacker can comfortably manage this trip on a daily budget of about $30-$50 (₹2500-₹4200), excluding flights. For an 8-day trip, your estimated expenses would be: Accommodation: ₹9,000 Food: ₹12,000 Local & Inter-city Transport: ₹5,000 Activities & Sightseeing: ₹9,000 * Visas: ₹4,000 This brings the total on-ground cost to approximately ₹39,000 per person. Adding flights, a complete 8-day trip can be realistically planned for around ₹80,000 to ₹85,000.
