KATHMANDU: German ultra-endurance athlete Alicia Bayer arrived back in Kathmandu on April 16 after completing a seven-day expedition through the Langtang and Helambu regions, covering 140 kilometres and ascending over 9,000 metres of cumulative elevation in a journey dedicated to raising awareness and funds for survivors of human trafficking in Nepal.

Bayer summited Kyanjin Ri (4,700m) and Tserko Ri (4,985m), traversed the sacred Gosaikunda Lakes, crossed the Lauribina Pass (4,600m) and finished her trek at Sundarijal on the outskirts of Kathmandu. She navigated sub-zero glacial winds, pathless snow and remote terrain throughout the route, documenting the journey on Instagram to draw attention to the human trafficking crisis and the work of local NGOs supporting survivors.

"I don't run for medals or status anymore," Bayer said. "In a world increasingly obsessed with competition and breaking records, I want to use my skills to make a small change. My running is a platform to spread awareness and support local NGOs who are doing the real work on the ground."

The Nepal expedition follows her 640-kilometre unsupported run along the Indian coast from Mumbai to South Goa in 15 days, averaging nearly a marathon a day, which she undertook to advocate for girls' education and women's empowerment, visiting schools and women-led organisations along the route.

On April 22, Bayer will join a charity hike near Kathmandu organised by the NGO Freedom in Disasters, where she will meet with local survivors and advocates to conclude this chapter of her campaign.

Looking further ahead, she is preparing to become the first German woman to participate in the Everest Ultra-Marathon later this year, and is planning a Kathmandu-to-Everest Base Camp run in autumn — both in aid of humanitarian causes.

Bayer's journey can be followed on Instagram at @runtheworldwithalicia.