Buddhist Monks Stop at Tennessee Buc-ee's During Walk for Peace Return

The monks and their dog Aloka were spotted in the giant convenience store on their way back to Fort Worth.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A group of Buddhist monks who recently completed a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. were spotted stopping at a Buc-ee's in Crossville, Tennessee on their return trip. The monks, accompanied by their loyal dog Aloka, were seen walking through the store as customers wished them well and gave Aloka some affection.

Why it matters

The monks' Walk for Peace journey garnered national attention, with the group receiving a special message and plaque from the Dalai Lama upon their arrival in Washington. Their stop at the popular Buc-ee's convenience store in Tennessee highlights the practical needs of their long trek, as well as the public's interest in their mission of promoting peace.

The details

The monks had asked for assistance with transportation for their return trip to Fort Worth after completing the Walk for Peace on February 10th. They were spotted on Friday, February 13th walking through the Buc-ee's store in Crossville, Tennessee, with their dog Aloka joining them. Customers in the store stopped to wish the monks well and give Aloka some affection.

  • The Walk for Peace concluded on February 10th in Washington, D.C.
  • The monks were spotted at the Buc-ee's in Crossville, Tennessee on February 13th.

The players

Buddhist Monks

A group of Buddhist monks who completed a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C.

Aloka

The loyal dog that accompanied the Buddhist monks on their Walk for Peace journey.

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What they’re saying

“A Profound Blessing — Message from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to the Walk for Peace,”

— International Campaign for Tibet, President (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Buddhist monks' stop at the Buc-ee's convenience store in Tennessee highlights the practical needs of their long Walk for Peace journey, as well as the public's interest in their mission of promoting peace. Their trek garnered national attention, culminating in a special message from the Dalai Lama upon their arrival in Washington, D.C.