Neli Radkova

Neli Radkova got the adventure bug at an early age, being just 4 years old when she climbed her first mountain, one of the highest and wildest in Bulgaria. Her fascination with the mountains quickly turned into her passion and she took every opportunity to explore them, either as a hiker, mountain-biker or as a competitive orienteer. Over the years, Neli has undertaken multiple summer and winter climbs on some of the highest and most demanding alpine peaks in the Bulgaria, as well as having completed the demanding Kom-Emine Trail, a 650km route along the ridgeback of the Stara Planina mountain range. With a wealth of mountain experience behind her, Neli quickly gained her certification as a mountain guide, and by the end of her teenage years was already starting to lead groups. She has subsequently gone on to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in International Tourism and a Master’s Degree as a professional coach in orienteering. As well as her mountain and sporting background, Neli is also passionate about nature, in particular birds, and whenever she is in the mountains, she keeps her eyes open for an opportunity to observe rare flora and fauna. Neli has been leading groups for 10 years now and is known for her bubbly personality, warm caring nature and infectious enthusiasm for both the culture and wildlife of Bulgaria.