A group of Buddhist Monks, with their loyal dog, Aloka, started an approximately 120-day journey on October 26, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, that will take them 2,300 miles to Washington, DC.
Please follow the Facebook group, Supporting the Walk for Peace, as it’s being updated with some local information. And Walk for Peace is updating on the Walk for Peace USA Facebook page.
By the end of the Walk for Peace, the monks will have walked through 10 U.S. states, with the Monks visiting State Capitols along the way: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.
The intention of Walk for Peace is to raise awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion. Bhikkhu Paññākāra: “We walk not to protest, but to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us. The Walk for Peace is a simple yet meaningful reminder that unity and kindness begin within each of us and can radiate outward to families, communities, and society as a whole.”
The Route of Walk for Peace
You can see an Overview Map below, but it doesn’t show the exact route.
This map shows that the Walk for Peace goes through or near:
- Charlotte, NC
- Harrisburg, NC
- Concord, NC
- Kannapolis, NC
- Salisbury, NC
When (and where) will Walk for Peace be in Charlotte?
Walk for Peace passed through Charlotte on January 14 and 15, 2026.
Walk for Peace has a Live Map that is updated frequently. This is what you need to be looking at to see where and when they will actually be. It’s updated every night for the following day.
When we learn about the specific route and rest stops, we will update here. Also, the group is updating their Facebook page frequently, with up-to-date information.
More ways to stay updated
Besides the two maps, the Facebook and the website (all linked to above) we expect to see social media posts from local government or law enforcement pages as the walk enters the Charlotte area. Along the way, local law enforcement has been assisting with safety and security, and handling traffic concerns.
One Monk was hit by a car near Houston and sustained a serious injury. His leg was amputated. If you see the group walking, please be mindful and drive carefully.
How to see the Monks on the Walk for Peace
Follow the Walk for Peace Facebook page to see if there will be any public gatherings in the Charlotte area. If there are, and you attend, please be respectful and quiet. (No cheering or yelling.)
You will also be able to see them as they walk their route (once we know exactly what it is.) Early on, the public was invited to walk with them, but as the walk progressed there were too many people to do it safely, so people were encouraged to stand by the side of the route and watch them walk by. Again, it’s not like a marathon where you cheer and yell. It should be a time for quiet reflection and sharing peace.
Obviously, do not touch the monks or Aloka!
It’s asked that you don’t bring dogs when you go to see the Monks, because that is less than peaceful for Aloka the Peace Dog.
We will update here when there are details about the route and any gatherings. On most days, the monks are inviting the public to meet them during lunch-time and evening rest stops.
More about Aloka the Peace Dog
Aloka is estimated to be four years old and is likely an Indian Pariah dog. He was a stray wandering in India when he started following the Monks. He walked with them for over 100 days across India.
Aloka had surgery on his leg and is rehabilitating, but is joining them for visits along the way.
Aloka the Peace Dog has his own Facebook and Instagram pages.
How to Support the Monks
Supporting the Walk for Peace is a great Facebook group that you can join to learn how to help!
The Monks have received so many in-person donations that they are currently stocked up on supplies. However, they are gratefully accepting online donations here.
For Lodging & Place to Stay Offer, please go to:
https://Walkforpeace.short.gy/lodging-stay-offer-form
For General Support & Services Offer, please go to:
https://Walkforpeace.short.gy/general-support-offer-form
There is a fundraiser for the Monk who was injured near Houston.
They do not sell anything (but do hand out blessing cords!)
GAIL BELL says
Thank you all for spreading peace instead of war.
Katie says
we would like to know what city they will be close to on Tuesday January 20.