One of the larger establishments in Serka Zong, serving locals and tourists alike, is the Serka Zong Bazaar. Take a look at their sign over the door. A couple details to notice: This sign was painted by the same firm (Bhavani Sign Painters) that provided the marquee for the new Yeti Palace Hotel down the road and a pair of painted antlers have been placed below the sign as a symbol of prosperity. Nearby, look for the plaque provided by the Anandapur Ministry of Economic Development, offering a clue as to how long the bazaar has been in operation.
Heading inside, signs of welcome are joined with a reminder for trekkers to "Please Remove Crampons Before Entering." Crampons are the spiky, metal attachments mountain climbers wear on their boots to help provide traction on icy slopes. They would probably do some real damage to the floors of the shop.
Inside behind the registers, you'll also spot the standard portrait of the royal family, Serka Zong Bazaar's operating license and the first 100 rupee note the shopkeepers ever earned. On this side of the shop, you'll also find a nest of electrical wiring and outlets, evidence that the building housing the bazaar is actually quite a bit older than the shop itself. When the bazaar opened in the 1950s, electricity was added.
Serka Zong Bazaar sells a little bit of everything, from daily staples for locals to items needed by those setting out on mountaineering expeditions. Of course, serious climbers probably get most of their supplies from Tashi's Trek and Tongba Shop (read more about that establishment at this link).
Beyond necessities, though, Serka Zong Bazaar also specializes in decorative and ceremonial items, particularly those related to the legendary protector of the mountain.
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