Time of year visited: Mid-october Climate: in the 60/70s during the day and low 40/30s at night. The higher you go, the colder it gets. Time needed: 12 days (on average)
Overall
Having lived in the Bay area for 6 years, we've gone on a lot of beautiful hikes. This does not even compare to anything we've ever done. It was definitely mentally and physically challenging, but probably the best journey we've ever experienced. You are in the middle of the Himalayas meeting so many different people, having the most magical views and sleeping at teahouses.
You will never be prepared enough, so if you've been thinking about it: just do it!
Day 0-1: Kathmandu to Lukla
This is a trek on its own. The domestic terminal of the Kathmandu airport is a total disaster. Flights to Lukla are always delayed due to bad weather. If you haven't googled Lukla airport yet, well this is the most dangerous airport in the world - tiniest runway right in the middle of the mountains so you need good visibility for a safe landing.
I would highly recommend booking the first flight out of Kathmandu, the earliest the better as flights get canceled later in the afternoon. When we got there, the 7AM flight hadn't taken off yet (it was 9AM) and it didn't leave until 2PM... We on the other hand did not get to fly that day, all flights were booked for the next 2 days so we decided to go via helicopter (the next morning), which we ended up splitting with 3 other girls we met at the airport that day.
Oh and definitely bring some toilet paper and hand sanitizer if you're going to use the bathroom. Once you get to the boarding area be ready to wait in a small boiling hot room with 200 people and most likely no chair.
Price of flight from KTM to LUA: $175 (one way) Price of helicopter from KTM to LUA: $300 (one way - we had to negotiate)