Cross-Border Budget Adventure: Backpacking from Varanasi to Rangamati Under $30/Day

Let's cut to the chase—crossing from India to Bangladesh requires advance planning. The Indian e-visa was straightforward ($25), but Bangladesh's visa process was about as organized as my garage workshop. Apply at least three weeks before departure and be prepared to visit a consulate in person.

Health-wise, I updated my routine vaccinations and added typhoid and hepatitis A shots. My doctor also prescribed a broad-spectrum antibiotic and water purification tablets which proved essential when potable water became scarce in rural Bangladesh.

Gear-wise, I traveled lighter than for my surf trips. My 40L backpack held everything I needed, including a quick-dry travel towel that saved serious space and dried between morning showers and evening packs. For electronics, I brought my phone, a universal travel adapter with multiple USB ports, and a headlamp that proved invaluable during frequent power outages.

Varanasi hit me like a tsunami of sensations. The city is ancient, chaotic, and utterly captivating. I spent four days here, staying at Stops Hostel ($8/night) in a 6-bed dorm that was surprisingly clean and came with free breakfast and rooftop yoga sessions.

The ghats (riverside steps) are Varanasi's main attraction and completely free to explore. I'd wake at 5 AM to witness sunrise ceremonies along the Ganges—a spectacle that makes dawn patrol surf sessions seem downright mundane. By day, I'd wander the labyrinthine alleys, getting gloriously lost while discovering tiny temples and street food that cost pennies.

For meals, I avoided tourist traps and ate at local spots like Shri Cafe (near Assi Ghat) where a thali plate runs about $2. My anti-theft day pack was perfect for navigating crowded markets while keeping my valuables secure. The side water bottle pocket meant I always had my insulated water bottle handy—essential in the heat and for avoiding single-use plastics.

From Varanasi, I caught an overnight train to Kolkata ($12 for AC Sleeper class)—a journey that deserves its own blog post. In Kolkata, I crashed at Zostel Hostel ($10/night) before tackling the infamous border crossing.

Here's where my budget strategy paid dividends: instead of flying to Dhaka ($150+), I took the Maitree Express train from Kolkata to Dhaka ($10). This train runs three times weekly and handles both exit and entry immigration procedures. The catch? Tickets sell out fast, so I used a travel money belt to keep my passport and cash secure during the 12-hour journey.

Pro tip: bring snacks and enough water for the journey. The train has basic facilities, but options are limited. My packable daypack was perfect for carrying essentials while keeping my main backpack secure in the luggage rack.

The border crossing itself was straightforward but slow. Immigration officers carefully scrutinized my Bangladesh visa, and I was glad I'd brought printed hotel reservations and an onward ticket as proof of my travel plans.

After a quick stopover in chaotic Dhaka, I headed southeast to Rangamati—Bangladesh's lake district and home to indigenous communities with cultures distinct from mainstream Bengali society. This region was the highlight of my trip and remains largely untouched by international tourism.

From Dhaka, I took a 6-hour bus to Rangamati ($5), where I stayed at Parjatan Motel ($15/night)—basic but clean with stunning lake views. The Kaptai Lake, created by damming the Karnaphuli River, creates a surreal landscape of emerald waters dotted with islands and floating villages.

I hired a local guide ($10/day) through my accommodation to navigate the permit requirements for foreigners and explore indigenous villages by boat. My dry bag kept my camera and documents safe during these water excursions—essential protection when your boat is basically a glorified canoe.

Food here was the cheapest of my trip—about $2-3 per meal for fresh fish curry, rice, and vegetables at local restaurants. The region is known for bamboo chicken, a delicious dish cooked inside bamboo stems over an open fire.

While exploring remote villages, my solar charger kept my phone powered during overnight stays in areas without electricity. This was crucial not just for photos but for translation apps that bridged language barriers with tribal communities.

Konnichiwa to the nitty-gritty that my budget-conscious followers always ask for! Here's how I averaged just $28/day for this two-week adventure:

Accommodation: $8-15/night for hostels and basic guesthouses ($140 total) Transportation: $85 total including trains, buses, and boat trips Food: $6-10/day eating street food and at local eateries ($90 total) Activities: $50 total for guides, temple donations, and entrance fees Miscellaneous: $25 for SIM cards, laundry, etc.

My biggest money-saver was a filtered water bottle that eliminated the need to buy bottled water throughout the trip, saving at least $2-3 daily while reducing plastic waste.

I also used a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card for ATM withdrawals, which refunds all ATM fees worldwide—a game-changer in regions where each withdrawal might incur $3-5 in fees.

Another hack: I brought a small travel clothesline to wash my quick-dry clothes in hostel sinks, eliminating laundry service costs.