Buddhist Monks Walk 2,300 Miles for Peace, Arrive Early

A group of Buddhist monks and their four-legged companion are proving that peace takes perseverance, one step at a time.

Nineteen Buddhist monks set out from Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26, 2025, with a simple mission: walk 2,300 miles to Washington, D.C., to promote world peace and mindfulness. Their journey has captured hearts across the internet, turning them into unlikely viral sensations.

The monks planned for a 120-day trek, but winter weather didn't slow them down. Through snowstorms and bitter cold, they kept walking, joined by their rescue dog Aloka, who's become an internet favorite in his own right.

On February 2, they reached Richmond, Virginia, marking day 100 of their journey. Today they're making their way to Ashland, Virginia, and they plan to arrive in Washington, D.C., on February 10, finishing in just 108 days.

Their Facebook page has become a daily destination for thousands of followers tracking their progress. The monks share updates about their route while spreading messages about inner peace and mindfulness, connecting with Americans in towns and cities along the way.

The group walks together each day, rain or shine, carrying their message that peace starts from within. Their dedication to completing the journey despite challenging conditions has resonated with people searching for hope and inspiration.

The Ripple Effect

What started as a walk for peace has grown into something bigger. Communities along their route have come out to greet them, offering food, shelter, and encouragement. The monks have sparked conversations about mindfulness and inner peace in places where those topics rarely make headlines.

Their journey shows how a small group with a clear purpose can inspire thousands. Social media users check in daily, asking "Are the monks in D.C. yet?" and sharing their progress with friends and family.

The monks prove that making a difference doesn't require grand gestures, just consistent steps in the right direction.