Nor is it necessarily recommended. If you want to do it all on your own, climbing the steep grades with full pack, you can. Steps are common on steep sections. It pays, however, to have as good a map as you can find, and to be willing to ask for directions. Usually, they are located perfectly for planning a day's walk.
Many guest houses are short on bedding so packing a sleeping bag is a good idea.
Ask yourself if your gear will allow you to stay safe if you sprain your ankle on an exposed slope in the late afternoon and a hard, cold rain hits. Let's say your willing to spend a few dollars to enjoy the benefits of some trip support. Mary and I were fortunate in having a Nepalese friend in Berkeley whose family operates an excellent guiding company. Our guide, Salam, and Sila the cook laughed and joked as we went. The amazing porters were quick with smiles and seemed ot enjoy each others company.