Buddhist Monks Complete 2,300-Mile Peace Walk to Washington, DC

The group of two dozen monks traveled across eight states over four months to reach the nation's capital.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A group of Buddhist monks from Texas has completed a 2,300-mile peace walk across the country, arriving in Washington, DC on Tuesday, February 10th. The monks, who have been on the journey since October, faced challenges like brutal winter weather and a car accident that left one monk injured, but persevered to deliver their message of peace and unity.

Why it matters

The monks' pilgrimage is seen as a symbolic gesture of bringing a message of peace and unity to a nation facing division, mental health crises, and conflict. Their journey highlights the Buddhist tradition of long walking pilgrimages as a practice of humility, endurance, and spiritual focus.

The details

The group of approximately two dozen Buddhist monks traveled across eight U.S. states - Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia - to reach Washington, DC. Along the way, they faced obstacles like freezing temperatures and a car accident that left one monk with severe injuries requiring an amputation. Despite the challenges, the monks continued their journey, adhering to a strict ascetic code that included eating just one meal per day and sleeping beneath trees.

  • The monks began their 2,300-mile journey in October 2025.
  • They arrived in Washington, DC around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • On Wednesday, February 11th, the monks plan to walk to the Peace Monument and the Lincoln Memorial for a concluding ceremony.
  • The group is scheduled to head back to their home in Fort Worth, Texas on Thursday, February 12th.

The players

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara

A Buddhist monk who thanked supporters via social media upon the group's arrival in Washington, DC and encouraged them to continue advocating for peace.

Aloka

The group's beloved dog, a former stray adopted from Kolkata, India, who underwent surgery for a leg injury but has since rejoined the monks on their journey.

Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center

The Buddhist center in Fort Worth, Texas that the monk group is from and where they are scheduled to return on February 12th.

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What they’re saying

“Peace begins within the heart of each person and extends outward to families, communities, and the nation as a whole.”

— Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, Buddhist Monk (Instagram)

What’s next

The group is hosting events in Washington, DC on Wednesday, February 11th, including a walk to the Peace Monument and a concluding ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial.

The takeaway

The Buddhist monks' 2,300-mile peace walk across the country serves as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and the pursuit of inner and outer peace, even in the face of significant challenges. Their journey highlights the enduring relevance of ancient spiritual traditions in addressing modern societal issues.