Hiking trips: Book ahead or wait til I get there?

[DaveO]

Hi, I'm hiking in Kaz/Kyr/Taj in August September.
I would rather not book accompanied-hikes/guides weeks in advance, from Europe. I'd prefer to get to the country and ask around about places, operators, weather etc.

Am I likely to find guides etc like that? Or is that just a terrible plan because all tour operators totally booked up in advance?

I guess it's a lot cheaper to book locally too - is that true?

Also, I have the same question about accommodation - is it vital to book weeks ahead?
Dave

[willemspie]

You certainly don't need to book accomodation.
I trek independently. InTajikistan, there aren't that many reliable trekking operators.

[hazelscott]

There is definitely no need to book ahead.

[steven]

In Kyrgyzstan, things can be arranged on the spot through CBT.

In Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, there are fewer decent guides available and they could be all booked out. You can still find guides, but they might not be of the highest caliber. Those people are booked out in advance.

Acommodation doesn't need to be booked in advance.