At an age when many young people are still deciding their career paths, Shubham Kumar, a 24-year-old from Bihar, has already achieved something extraordinary. Popularly known as “Nomad Shubham,” he became the youngest Indian and one of the youngest Asians to travel to all 197 sovereign countries in the world — a feat that has inspired millions across the globe.
His journey is remarkable not just because of the number of countries he visited, but because of where he started — a modest village in Munger district of Bihar. With limited financial resources, an Indian passport often considered restrictive for global travel, and no corporate backing, Shubham set out to prove that determination could overcome almost any barrier.
Shubham Kumar grew up in a rural environment where international travel was rarely even discussed. His father worked as a government school teacher, and life revolved around modest routines and practical aspirations. Like many young students from small towns, Shubham initially followed the conventional path of education and career preparation.
But somewhere during his teenage years, he developed a fascination with travel. The curiosity began when he was around 13 or 14 years old, and it grew stronger as he watched travel content and read about distant places.
The turning point came in 2018, when a trip to Leh-Ladakh changed the way he saw the world. The experience awakened a powerful desire to explore beyond borders. Soon after, he decided to pursue the dream seriously, even though he did not come from a wealthy background.
At just 17 years old, Shubham began travelling internationally. His first trips included nearby destinations such as Nepal, and gradually he expanded his journeys to other countries in Asia and beyond.
What made his journey unique was the way he travelled. Unlike luxury travelers, Shubham relied on budget travel techniques such as hitchhiking, local buses, trains, and couch-surfing. Often he managed to survive on extremely small budgets — sometimes spending as little as ₹500 a day in the early years of his travels.
His ability to travel cheaply was not accidental. Shubham embraced a philosophy of “slow travel,” focusing on connecting with people, learning cultures, and experiencing everyday life rather than visiting expensive tourist attractions.
As he continued his journey, Shubham began documenting his travels on YouTube and social media. His channel gradually attracted a large audience who were fascinated by his honest storytelling and practical travel tips.
Today, his YouTube channel has millions of subscribers, and his videos often reach millions of views. Through these platforms, he shared stories from remote villages, bustling cities, deserts, and mountains across the world.
For many young Indians, especially those from smaller towns, his content became a source of inspiration. Shubham demonstrated that international travel is not limited to wealthy tourists — it can also be achieved through careful planning, courage, and creativity.
Shubham Kumar’s story is about more than visiting countries. It represents the power of curiosity, courage, and self-belief. Starting from a small village in Bihar with little money and limited exposure to the world, he transformed a personal dream into a global journey.
Today, Nomad Shubham stands as a symbol of what determination can achieve. His story reminds people that dreams are not defined by geography or background. Sometimes, all it takes to change one’s life is a backpack, a bold decision, and the willingness to keep moving forward.
