Ricky Venchelton Kharluni is not someone who is intimidated by the word ‘fatigue’. On any given day, he can trek with you for six hours straight and still be teeming with energy the next morning, to ask if you are game for another adventure in the lesser known locales of Meghalaya. And when not touring, Ricky loves working in his agricultural fields in his village Mawlynnong, best known as the cleanest village in Asia.
No wonder that at 22, Ricky is one of the most sought-after guides in the hill state. “It is not just about showing tourists what they already know. It is about rediscovering new things,” Ricky says. He quickly substantiates with an example. “People come to Mawlynnong to spend a day or two, but very few explore the nearby areas. For instance, not many know about the neighbouring Kongthong village. The specialty of this village is every person here is identified by a tune instead of a name. And it is only the mothers who can call their children by this tune,” he says.
Having lost his mother seven months back, Ricky says his profession is something that was born out of circumstance. “Our father deserted us when I was 13 and after I flunked class 7 in 2008, I decided not to study anymore as I wanted to help my mother run the household and ensure that both my younger sisters go to school.” He started by assisting his mother in the fields, doing odd jobs in the village and working as a daily wager. It was not until 2011 when Ricky discovered his acumen as an adventure guide. “Whenever we used to get visitors in the village (Mawlynnong), I would be the one who would show them around. They in turn will refer me to their friends. I soon realised that I could channel my knowledge of places in the right direction and work as a guide,” he says. With his fat slam book brimming with positive testimonials both from Indian and foreign tourists, Ricky says he looks forward to many such books. “I enjoy the company of energetic people and want to continue knowing many more. And maybe open my travel agency someday,” he adds.
Covering a range of destinations in and around Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong, the Indo-Bangladesh border of Dawki and other places in the Khasi and Jaintia Hill districts, Ricky mostly conducts adventure tours that include rock climbing, camping, mountain biking and kayaking. The David Scott Trekking trail, the Shilliang Jashar trek from Mawlynnong, climbing down the 3500 steps to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Cherrapunji, camping in the sacred forest of Mawphlang and exploring and Nartiang Monoliths are a few to name. “The tour mostly takes shape according to the itinerary and interest of the client. I do normal tours but it is the adventure treks that give me the kick,” Ricky smiles. “I am currently planning to organise an eco-camp in Mawlynnong that will include all kinds of adventure sports,” he says. Ricky charges Rs 2000 for a trip per day and says he gets a decent clientele between October and December.