Direct to the Zhidabu Temple, located in Menxi Township within Gar County, Ali region, was originally built by the eminent monk Dorje Tsalnyen Samphu of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, initially following the Nyingma teachings. It was once considered one of the eight subterranean Vajra Yogini temples by the Nyingma sect. Later, it came under the administration of the Kagyu school from Bhutan, transitioning to the Kagyu teachings.

After destruction by Kazakh looters in 1947, the temple was rebuilt by Bidhi Lama Yeshe Palden and subsequently became a branch of the Palyul Shelkar Dzong. The temple’s primary deities include statues of Padmasambhava, Amitabha Buddha, and Sakyamuni Buddha, along with Yeshe Tsogyal, the 8-year-old footprints of Dorje Phagmo (Vajravarahi), and more. The site also hosts three meditation retreats of Padmasambhava, Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal, and Dorje Phagmo. The temple was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution and rebuilt in 1983. Currently, it houses two lamas and two temple administrators.

In front of the Zhidabu Temple is a hot spring, believed to possess magical blessing powers. Due to the decline of groundwater levels and riverbed incision, the spring’s source now sits above the Xiangquan River. The thermal waters, which steam as they flow into the river, provide a natural bathing spot for Tibetans. In spring, many people specifically visit to bathe in these gifted natural waters.

The area around the hot spring features calcified terrains reminiscent of marble, and pilgrims can find “Gangti” limestone, said to ward off disease and disaster. The temple’s vicinity is decorated with many weathered stone formations symbolizing various deities and legendary figures, including Mahakala, Garuda, Vajra Yoginis, and more.

The largest Mani stone mound in the Ali region can also be found here, with a Mani wall extending over 250 meters in front of the temple hall. This wall, meticulously assembled from countless Mani stones inscribed with prayers and mantras, includes a circular mound over ten meters in diameter, invoking the image of the sun and moon motif commonly found at the entrances of Tibetan monasteries and homes.

The temple’s surroundings boast numerous Mani mounds on the hillsides, presenting a world of Mani stones that is one of the wonders of the Ali region.

Key Points to Note

• Admission: Free. Donations are welcome.
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Accessibility: The temple is about 260 kilometers from the county town, accessible by private or rented vehicles. It’s 60 kilometers away from the sacred Mount Gang Rinpoche.