I am doing a quick side-trip to Nepal in conjunction with a trip to Bhutan in late September/early October. I'd like to dayhike from Lukla to Namche Bazaar, but everything that I've read recommends doing this as at least a three day hike (Lukla to Phakding, Phakding to Namche Bazaar, then Namche Bazaar to Lukla). The low point of the trail is around 8800' (in Phakding), so I think that the total altitude change is only around 2500' and the distance is only 10 miles or so one way. I think of parallel California hikes and I wonder if the trip will really take that long - based on the distance and altitude change, it looks a lot like Vogelsang Peak from Mono Pass Trailhead in Yosemite.
Can anyone advise if this can be done as a dayhike or at the longest a 2-day hike? Would I need to hire a guide or is the trail straightforward? Would I need any special equipment in September?
Thanks so much in advance for any guidance you may be able to provide.