17-year-old Abin’s 80-day solo journey across India and Nepal

July 15, 2025 Unknown Wizards Valli Sarvani

At a time when most teenagers focus on studies or take time off to relax, 17-year-old Abin Babu from Kozhikode chose an unusual path.

During his Class 11 vacation, he completed an 80-day solo journey across 20 Indian states and Nepal, surviving on hitchhiking, personal savings, and the generosity of strangers.

Abin’s fascination with solo travel reportedly began when he was 14 and had to visit his father, who was hospitalised in Bengaluru.

That early experience of travelling alone gave him the confidence to pursue longer journeys.

After finishing his Class 10 exams, he had convinced his parents to let him go on a 50-day solo trip across northern India, travelling mainly by train and visiting popular destinations.

His most recent trip, however, was far more ambitious. He avoided public transport entirely and depended on lifts from lorry drivers and passing vehicles.

He said that he found shelter in temples, churches, and gurudwaras, where people often welcomed him without hesitation.

In Arunachal Pradesh, a priest from Kerala had reportedly gone out of his way to provide a classroom for him to stay in.

Among the highlights of his journey was a solo trek to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal, which he described as the most unforgettable part of his trip.

With limited food and water, completing the trek had felt like a major personal achievement.

Abin had undertaken the entire journey on a budget of ₹28,000, money he had earned through part-time work.

He had reportedly chosen not to stay in hotels, instead relying on community shelters and free meals where available.

His parents, particularly his mother Lissy, had been hesitant at first. She shared that she had faced a lot of pressure and concern from relatives.

However, Abin had been persistent, and eventually, the family had agreed, on the condition that he would call home daily.

When mobile coverage wasn’t available, he had informed them in advance.

Now that he has returned, his family feels proud. Abin has expressed his desire to continue exploring the world, saying that climbing Mount Everest is next on his list.

Image Credit: Nepalkismat, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons