During the Thracian era, Rila was named Dawnax and later it was changed to Danuka. Then finally, the Thracians changed its name to Rila, which means "high-water".
The highest peak in Bulgaria, Mussala (2925m.) resides in the Rila Mountains. It is home to 219 high mountain lakes, most notably are Sedemte Rilski, Maritchini, Mussalenski, and Urdini. There are over 2000 plant species and rich animal life. The rivers Maritza, Mesta, Iskar and others have traces from the Glacial period and start at heights of over 2200m. Rila is the highest mountain range in the Balkan peninsula and ranks fifth in Europe following the Caucasus, the Alps, Sierra Nevada and Pyrenees. It is situated almost in the middle of the Balkan peninsula. Through the Predela pass (1140m.) it is linked to the Pirin Mountain Range, and through the Adamova pass (1295m.) to the Rhodopes.
Outward Bound®- Bulgaria began in the beautiful Rila mountains in the valley of Maljovitza. The expedition up to the peak "Maljovitza" is experienced by most of our participants. Maljovitza is one of the most picturesque peaks of Rila (2727m.). At the foot of Maljovitza is the area of Gjuletchiza that is where our school is located and where we call home.

What I'll remember the most is the mountains – they were mystical I thought beauty like this only existed only in legends. I don’t regret a single step I made during my course.

When I reached the peak was rewarded with a magnificent view. The whole course was very important for me, but not because of the things I did or learned, but because of the things I felt.

Anonymous