ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The Islamabad Jeep Club (IJC) has successfully concluded its Annual Summer Camp 2026 following a rigorous two-day off-road expedition. The adventure traversed the scenic, yet challenging, terrains of Nadi Bangla, Kachal Katha, and Jabri Top in the Mansehra District. Approximately 35 participants, navigating in a convoy of 15 four-wheel-drive vehicles, undertook the journey. They tackled the rugged mountain track that winds towards Nadi Bangla, situated roughly 20 kilometres off-road from Balakot. The convoy established its base camp at Kachal Katha. Here, members spent two days immersed in the wilderness, erecting tents, preparing their own meals, and engaging in outdoor activities amidst the area’s spectacular natural beauty.

On the second day, the team set out for an expedition to Jabri Top. Recent rainfall had rendered the mountain track exceptionally slippery and difficult to manoeuvre, posing a significant test to both the vehicles and the drivers’ skills. Despite these challenging conditions, the experienced IJC members successfully reached the summit and returned to the campsite without any reported incidents. This demonstrates a high level of competence and preparedness.

Speaking after the expedition, the President of the Islamabad Jeep Club, Dr. Ehsan M. Kiyani, stated that the successful completion of the camp underscores the club’s firm commitment to promoting safe adventure tourism. He characterized Nadi Bangla, Kachal Katha, and Jabri Top as some of Pakistan’s most beautiful, albeit lesser-known, tourist destinations. These areas boast dense cedar and pine forests, picturesque waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and an unspoiled natural environment, offering significant potential for tourism development.

Dr. Kiyani further emphasized the critical importance of preserving these pristine landscapes. He urged tourists to adopt responsible tourism practices, specifically by avoiding littering and actively contributing to the conservation of the environment for the benefit of future generations. He noted that all waste generated during the two-day camp was meticulously collected in garbage bags and transported back for appropriate disposal. In a further demonstration of their environmental stewardship, club members also removed litter left behind by other visitors. This initiative reinforces the Islamabad Jeep Club’s dedication to environmental conservation and the promotion of sustainable adventure tourism.

The expedition leadership included Dr. Ehsan M. Kiyani (President), Asadullah Marwat (Vice President), Imran Ahmed (Secretary General), and Syed Imran Hyder (Secretary Media & PR). They were supported by senior members Ali Zafar, Juma Khan, Mazhar Zaidi, Bakhtmir Jan, Zahid Bukhari, Nauman Ahmed, Ehtesham Abbasi, Brig. Umar Ghani, Nasir Saeed, Talha Malik, Muhammad Marwat, Sanaullah Marwat, Burhan Kundi, and Kashif Khan. Among the guests participating were Akhtar Niazi, Salman A. Khan, Nisar Ahmed, Brigadier Mannan, Abid Mughal, Tahseen Razi, Zeeshan Tahir, Arsalan Ahmed, and numerous other adventure enthusiasts.

The Islamabad Jeep Club organises an annual summer expedition to a different destination each year. The primary objectives include promoting responsible tourism, showcasing Pakistan’s hidden natural attractions, fostering engagement with local communities, understanding their challenges, and contributing to the development of local tourism and economies.