The story behind Pāda Pāda AdventurEs
Mike Napier founded Pāda Pāda Adventures after more than 15 years of working, exploring, and living in some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. From high-altitude trekking in Nepal to alpine passes in Europe, navigating desert canyons in Oman, and kayaking from the coastal waters of Malaysia to the whitewater of Uganda, his experiences have shaped a deep understanding of adventure travel to some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations. Living and working across the globe, he has seen firsthand that the best journeys aren’t just about where you go, but how you experience the world. It’s this belief that led him to create Pāda Pāda Adventures—a company built on expert leadership, meaningful travel, and a passion for the road less travelled.
The name Pāda Pāda comes from the Sanskrit word for foot, symbolising the footprints we leave behind and the idea that each step in an adventure matters. This philosophy is at the heart of everything we do. Every trek, hike, or expedition with Pāda Pāda Adventures is about more than just reaching a destination—it’s about the experience, the landscapes you travel through, and the people you meet along the way. We believe that every step should be taken with purpose, ensuring the marks we leave behind—on the trail, in the communities we visit, and within ourselves—are positive ones.
Expert led small group adventure travel
Over the years, I’ve learned that the guide can make or break an expedition. It’s not just about knowing the route or managing logistics—it’s about good judgement, calm leadership, and understanding how to bring the best out of a group in challenging environments.
That’s why every trip with Pāda Pāda Adventures is led by an International Mountain Leader (IML). It’s a qualification I trust, because I know what it takes to earn it—and what it means out in the field. Our IMLs are not only skilled in mountain safety, navigation, and group management; they also know how to create an atmosphere where people feel supported, confident, and ready to explore.
They work alongside local guides who bring something just as valuable—deep cultural insight, a connection to the land, and a different way of seeing the world. Together, they form a team that balances technical expertise with local knowledge, creating journeys that are not only safe and well-run, but also genuinely meaningful.
Responsible and sustainable adventure travel
From the start, I knew Pāda Pāda Adventures had to be about more than just the journey—it had to be about how we travel. The places we visit are often remote, culturally rich, and environmentally sensitive. That’s why we build every trip around the idea of travelling responsibly and leaving a positive footprint behind.
For us, sustainability isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about supporting local communities, respecting traditions, and being mindful of the impact we have on the trails we walk, the people we meet, and the places we stay. We’re always looking for ways to do better—because great adventures shouldn’t come at the cost of the places that make them possible.
Find out more about Pāda Pāda Adventures
Want to know more about who we are, how we choose our expert guides, or what type of adventure is right for you? Whether you’re curious about our guiding philosophy, how we ensure the highest safety standards, or which trip best matches your experience level, we’ve got you covered. Explore the links below to learn more and start planning your next journey.