Monks arrive in D.C. after their cross-country walk for peace. Here’s what they have planned next
Shortly after 7:00 local time this morning, the internet-famous walk for peace monks began the final miles of their 2,300-mile walking journey.
They left Alexandria, Virginia, and are set to arrive in Washington, D.C., before 9:30 a.m., where they’ll take part in a public event at Bender Arena.
The group plans to spend the next three days in and around the nation’s capital before traveling by bus to Fort Worth, Texas, where the journey began. Find out how they plan to spend the next few days.
Who are the monks and why did they walk to D.C.?
More than three months ago, a group of about 19 Buddhist monks and their rescue dog companion, Aloka, set out on a 2,300-mile walking journey to promote peace.
The movement has been well-received in the United States and globally. Throughout the journey, massive crowds of people have gathered to welcome and celebrate the monks.
They started the walk in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26, 2025. After 108 days of walking, they arrived in Washington, D.C., this morning.
The group’s Facebook page notes that they’re walking to “raise awareness of inner peace and mindfulness across America and the world.”
The monks have been using their Facebook page to provide updates, share photos, and announce official events. An interactive map powered by Google Maps also let people follow along with the monks in real time.
As their message of hope and peace has reached more people, their social media following has continued to grow significantly. They now have nearly 6 million combined followers across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
The monks’ rescue dog, Aloka, who has been part of the walking journey, has become an internet fan favorite. In January, Aloka had surgery to heal a leg injury. He’s doing well, but because he’s still recovering, he’s been traveling in an escort car that follows the walking route.
Aloka has his own official social media accounts. He has a combined following of over 1.5 million fans across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Here’s where the monks will be this week
The group has shared the following schedule for the week:
Tuesday, February 10:
- 7:00 a.m.: Walk from Alexandria, VA, to Washington, D.C.
- 9:30-10:45 a.m.: Public Event at Bender Arena
- Lunch stop: They’ll attend an invite-only lunch at the National United Methodist Church
- 1:00–2:30 p.m.: Interfaith Ceremony at Washington National Cathedral
- 2:30 p.m.: Unity Walk on Embassy Row
- In the evening, they’ll attend a private event at George Washington University
Wednesday, February 11:
- 9:30 a.m.: Walk to Peace Monument / Capitol Hill begins
- Lunch stop: They’ll attend an invite-only lunch at St. Mark’s Capitol Hill Church
- 1:30 p.m.: Begin walking to the Lincoln Memorial
- 2:30-4:00 p.m: Peace Gathering and Concluding Ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial
- 4:30-7:30 p.m.: Meditation session with Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara at George Washington University Smith Center
Thursday, February 12:
- 9:00 a.m.: Begin walking from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Maryland to the Maryland State Capitol
- 10:00-10:45 a.m.: Peace gathering at the steps of the Maryland State Capitol
- 12:30 p.m.: Depart for Fort Worth, Texas, by bus
Saturday, February 14:
The group is set to arrive in Fort Worth around 8:00 a.m. They plan to walk from downtown Fort Worth to the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center, where the 2,300-mile journey began.
The homecoming walking route is approximately six miles. To celebrate the completion of their journey, a peace gathering will be held at the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center.
If you’d like to follow along throughout the coming days, check their Facebook page for updates.