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.
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.
This map shows that the Walk for Peace goes through or near:
- Rock Hill, SC
- Fort Mill, SC
- Pineville, NC
- Charlotte, NC
- Harrisburg, NC
- Concord, NC
- Kannapolis, NC
- Salisbury, NC
When (and where) will Walk for Peace be in Charlotte?
We don’t know yet. The estimated date to be in the area are between January 10 and 20, 2026. We also don’t know yet exactly where they will be.
Walk for Peace has a Live Map that is updated frequently.
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.) In some areas, the public was invited to walk with them, but in other areas, 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.
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.
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.
He is joining the Walk of Peace with the Monks, but he is not walking all the time. He gets a ride if it’s too cold or the crowds are too big, or he just needs a break. Also, a veterinarian has examined him en-route and given him a clean bill of health.
Aloka the Peace Dog has his own Facebook and Instagram pages.
How to Support the Monks
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.
There is a fundraiser for the Monk who was injured near Houston.
They do not sell anything (but do hand out blessing cords!)
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
- Subscribing to Charlotte on the Cheap’s email list
- Best skyline views in Charlotte for photos
- Best food and drink deals in Charlotte
- 50+ walks and hikes in and near Charlotte
- Free and cheap things to do this week
- Charlotte Hotel Deals
- Charlotte on the Cheap events calendar
- Charlotte area farmers markets
Leave a Reply