Buddhist Monks Complete 2,300-Mile Walk for Peace in D.C.

The 19 monks arrived in the nation's capital after a 108-day journey from Texas, inspiring millions along the way.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A group of 19 Buddhist monks completed a 2,300-mile walk from Texas to Washington, D.C. to 'raise awareness and mindfulness.' The Walk for Peace, which began in late October, became a social media phenomenon and an inspirational tether for millions who followed the trek online and the tens of thousands who greeted the monks along the way across eight states. The monks were met with a warm welcome in D.C., where they were accompanied by over 100 police officers on bicycles as they walked to American University to speak to a full house. The march's organizers said they were astounded by the overwhelming response, both online and in person, that the monks received during their journey.

Why it matters

The monks' walk came at a time when many Americans have felt unmoored by the divisiveness and turmoil in the country, providing a much-needed sense of hope and unity. The simple but extraordinary act undertaken by the monks offered a reminder of the power of peace, compassion, and coming together, even in the face of so much upheaval.

The details

The 19 Buddhist monks began their Walk for Peace in late October from Fort Worth, Texas, and arrived in Washington, D.C. on February 11, 2026 after 108 days and 2,300 miles of walking. Along the way, they were greeted by tens of thousands of people across eight states who came out to show their support. Upon arriving in D.C., the monks were met by over 100 police officers on bicycles who accompanied them as they walked to American University, where they spoke to a full house at the university's Bender Arena.

  • The monks began their walk from Fort Worth, Texas in late October 2025.
  • The monks arrived in Washington, D.C. on February 11, 2026 after 108 days of walking.
  • The monks will travel to the Peace Monument at the U.S. Capitol and then walk to the Lincoln Memorial for a concluding ceremony on February 12, 2026.
  • On February 13, 2026, the monks will walk from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to the steps of the Maryland State House in Annapolis for a final public event.

The players

Bhikkhu Pannakara

The leader of the group of 19 Buddhist monks who completed the 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, D.C.

Long Si Dong

A Fort Worth engineer serving as a spokesman for the Walk for Peace.

Clark Strand

A contributing editor to the Buddhist publication Tricycle magazine and a former Zen monk, who commented on the significance of the monks' march.

Albee Shanefelter

A 56-year-old Silver Spring resident who came to greet the monks when they arrived in D.C.

Valeria

A 36-year-old Montgomery County social worker who came to see the monks to be there for people who are afraid to leave their homes or afraid to speak up.

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What they’re saying

“This is a profound and sacred milestone on our journey for peace. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for everyone who has walked with us – whether in person or in spirit – through every state, every mile, every single step.”

— Bhikkhu Pannakara, Leader of the Walk for Peace (Facebook)

“They're an example of what the world needs more of right now. The overall message is that if they're willing to walk from Texas to D.C., then maybe this is a very important thing and people really need to start taking peace seriously again.”

— Albee Shanefelter, Silver Spring resident (N/A)

“This is a beautiful thing to celebrate. This is such a great unity moment, especially when there's definitely a lot of hate right now and oppression of people for their race, their gender.”

— River Thompson, American University freshman (N/A)

“Peace is something we don't talk enough about. Peace has a lot to do with respect and the idea that differences make us stronger. I think we can all learn from each other.”

— Maya Linson, Local resident (N/A)

“I've never seen anything like this for everybody to get together for peace. It's something that catches up with their hearts.”

— Somman Siharath, Buddhist (N/A)

What’s next

The March for Peace will culminate on February 12, 2026 as the monks travel to the Peace Monument at the U.S. Capitol and then walk to the Lincoln Memorial for a concluding ceremony. On February 13, 2026, the monks will walk from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to the steps of the Maryland State House in Annapolis for a final public event.

The takeaway

The Buddhist monks' 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, D.C. provided a much-needed sense of hope and unity for Americans during a divisive time. Their simple yet extraordinary act of walking for peace and mindfulness inspired millions and reminded people of the power of compassion, respect, and coming together despite differences.