A group of Buddhist monks on a journey from Texas are reaching their destination of Washington, DC, today. This is the culmination of the monks’ Walk for Peace, a 2,300-mile trek intended to spread a message of peace across the U.S.
The Walk for Peace began on October 26, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. The two dozen monks and their dog, Aloka, have garnered global attention, with large crowds of people gathering along the route to support their mission.
Plans in DC
After making their way through Northern Virginia yesterday, the monks left Arlington this morning and arrived in DC for the final days of the walk. They arrived at American University for a public event at Bender Arena, and will then march to the National Cathedral for a planned interfaith ceremony at 1 p.m.
After the ceremony, the monks will take a unity walk on Embassy Row before stopping for a public event at George Washington University, where they will rest for the night.
On Wednesday, the monks will walk to the Peace Monument and Capitol Hill beginning around 9:30 a.m., then move toward the Lincoln Memorial for a peace gathering and concluding ceremony at 2:30 p.m. There will be a meditation session at GWU at 4:30 p.m.
On Thursday, the monks will head to Maryland, starting from the Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. There will be a peace gathering at the Maryland State Capitol at 10 a.m., then they will depart back to Fort Worth at 12:30 p.m.
A map online shows the monks’ planned route, but it is subject to change. A live map updating the monks’ actual location is updated every 15 to 60 minutes.
Tips for Seeing the Monks
The Walk for Peace website notes that the monks have temporarily paused accepting material donations during the walk because of limited space. They are still accepting monetary donations. The site also notes that the monks and Aloka have “all the necessary clothing, shoes, and safety gear.” If some monks are not wearing shoes, the site says, it is because they choose not to wear them.
Ahead of the monks’ arrival, public officials have posted tips for how to safely see the monks. The City of Alexandria posted the following guidance:
- Follow all directions provided by law enforcement officers and event coordinators.
- Stay on sidewalks and out of roadways at all times.
- Stand calmly along the route and observe quietly.
- Remain in place and do not walk alongside or trail the monks.
- Refrain from approaching, touching, or stepping in front of the monks.
- Maintain a respectful distance and allow the monks to initiate any interaction.
Road Closures
As the monks travel through the area, some roads could be impacted on a rolling basis. Here’s when to expect closures.
On Tuesday until about 11 a.m.:
- Inbound Chain Bridge
- Inbound Canal Road from Chain Bridge to Arizona Avenue, NW
- Arizona Avenue, NW from Canal Road to Loughboro, Road, NW
- Loughboro Road/Nebraska Ave, NW from Arizona Avenue to American University’s Campus
Tuesday between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Nebraska Avenue, NW from New Mexico Avenue to Ward Circle, NW
- Massachusetts Avenue, NW from Ward Circle to Macomb Street, NW
- Macomb Street, NW from Massachusetts Avenue to Wisconsin Avenue, NW
- Wisconsin Avenue between Macomb Street, NW and the Washington National Cathedral
Tuesday from 2:30 p.m. through 5:30 p.m.:
- Wisconsin Avenue, NW from the Washington National Cathedral to Massachusetts Avenue, NW
- Massachusetts Avenue, NW from Wisconsin Avenue to Sheridan Circle, NW
- 23rd Street, NW from Sheridan Circle to H Street, NW
Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. through 10:30 a.m.:
- 23rd Street, NW from H Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
- Constitution Avenue, NW from 23rd Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
- Pennsylvania Avenue, NW from Constitution Avenue to First Street, NW
Between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, expect closures in the areas of the Peace Monument, St. Mark’s Capitol Hill Church, and the Lincoln Memorial.
Approximately 4:30 p.m. through 5:30 p.m. Wednesday:
- 23rd Street, NW from Lincoln Memorial Circle to G Street, NW
A Path Through Virginia
On Monday, February 9, the monks made several stops in Northern Virginia, where crowds of onlookers and supporters gathered to see them. They made stops at the Christ Church of Alexandria and Marymount University.
Before the monks arrived in NoVA, they travelled through the southern part of the state. On Monday, February 2, Gov. Abigail Spanberger welcomed the monks and Aloka in the capital city. It was the 100th day of the Walk for Peace. In a ceremony at Richmond City Hall, Spanberger declared February 2, 2026, “Walk for Peace Day” in Virginia. It was Spanberger’s first declaration as governor.
Crowds of supporters gathered along the monks’ path in Richmond. “From the moment we began walking at Fire Station 17, people lined the streets, holding flowers, waving with joy and walking alongside us with open hearts,” a post from the Walk for Peace said. “As we made our way to Richmond City Hall, the numbers grew. Hundreds became thousands. A river of peace flowed through the streets of Richmond — people of all ages, all backgrounds, all walks of life, united in the spirit of peace, compassion, mindfulness, and hope.”
The monks then traveled north and arrived in Prince William County on Saturday, February 7, to a reception of onlookers along Route 1.
Feature image courtesy Grindstone Media Group/Alamy
