Accommodation - booking in advance or on the fly?

[bamur]

So I'd like to have my trip as flexible as I can, I'm planning to spend the month of May this year mostly in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. My question is if hostels/hotels are likely to fill up quickly in Bishkek/Almaty/Dushanbe in May? I booked some of my accommodation already, but I want to couchsurf and do things on the fly as well.

Also, I know this isn't the right section to post under for this question.. but as an American, I can apply for a Tajik visa in Almaty - correct? I read that a Canadian was able to do this, but wasn't able to determine if Americans can as well.

[steven]

I think May is totally fine for booking hostels the day itself. Even in July, there is always a spare bed. It's also a good time for cs'ing, not so many travelers on the road yet at this time.

Tajikistan has nothing against Americans, you can apply without worry (well, you never know what happens in the Pamirs in summer).

[bamur]

Thank you, Steven!

[PaulineC]

Hi everyone,

We are a couple & we plan to visit Uzbekistan & Tajikistan during 3 weeks in August 2017.
I would like to know how busy is the season at this period of the year ? Do we have to book our hotels / homestay in advance ?
Or is it better to wait & go directly to the hotel ( and bargain ) ?

Many thanks for your help !
Pauline

[steven]

Hi Pauline,

you can get better deals if you go directly to the hotel, with the exception of Dushanbe/Tashkent. If you have your heart set on a specific place to stay in Samarkand and Bukhara, you need to book in advance, but if you are ok with whatever is available, you have bargaining power.

[lissie45]

Is that the same in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan as well? I'm so hoping - basically having to book 3 weeks of hotels in China is doing my head in!

[steven]

You cannot bargain in KG or KZ but there is always space.

http://caravanistan.com/accommodation/kyrgyzstan/

[Maxfrombavaria]

Hi dear nice Caravanistanis,

quick question - can you just book hostels/Hotels/homestays as you arrive in the City or town or do you Need to book in advance?

Kyrgyzstan and Tadjikistan?

THanks,Max

[steven]

Hi Max,

you can do it as you arrive in town, no need to do it in advance. It never gets that busy that everything is booked out.

[IodinePit]

Hi folks, just wondering if it is sufficiently crowded in summer time (mid-July specifically) that I should pre-book accommodations in Bishkek and Karakol? I will have my camping gear with me so that is always a backup option but sometimes you just want a nice bed, right?