Before visiting Central Asia, we had never experienced staying in a homestay and were unsure of how they operate. We had many questions like, do you sleep in the family’s room? Are there dorms? Does the family cook for you? Do you spend the day with them? And are there many tourists? This article aims to clarify these questions for those planning to visit Central Asia and other regions with homestays.
First off, we have to say that homestays have quickly become our favorite way to explore a country. If only every country had such a well-organized network of homestays! It’s a fantastic way to stay with a local family, get a glimpse into their daily life, and taste regional dishes. Usually, the wife cooks a great meal and serves it in a separate kitchen for visitors. Sometimes you can dine with the family, but they usually assume you’d prefer some privacy.
In a typical homestay, you’ll have your own room or even your own house. The family is there to help if you need it, but they generally go about their daily lives. If requested, they will cook meals for you, which we highly recommend because it’s an excellent way to enjoy local, home-cooked food.
In Central Asia, homestays often feature hot water showers and squat toilets, though amenities can vary by region. Some homes are absolutely beautiful, with rooms offering views, terraces, and lush backyards.
The sleeping arrangements differ from one homestay to another. Sometimes you’ll sleep on mattresses or cushions on the floor, and other times you’ll have a comfortable king-sized bed. We’ve never stayed in a homestay that we found dirty or uncomfortable. Hosts take pride in their homes and keep them spotless for visitors.
Homestays are already a part of the culture in many areas of Central Asia. Villages have welcomed pilgrims for centuries and developed a network of homes for travelers. Companies like CBT, Shepherd’s Life, and META have built on this hospitality by creating a sustainable system for foreign visitors who don’t speak the local language.
These community-based tourism projects ensure that most of the money goes to the families, while offering travelers pleasant rooms at fair prices. They usually assign only one group of tourists to each family at a time, which makes the experience feel authentic and personal.
These programs are also beneficial for local families. They provide a new source of income and allow families to meet people from around the world. Many hosts are still excited to meet new tourists and are curious about where they come from and where they’ve traveled.
When planning our trip to Central Asia, homestays weren’t even on our radar. However, staying with these families has become a highlight of our travels in the region. We remember each homestay for different reasons. While hotels and hostels are good for having English-speaking staff and meeting fellow travelers, given the choice now, we’d opt for homestays every time.
Have you ever stayed in a homestay? If so, where was it, and did you enjoy the experience? We’d love to hear about your homestay adventures!