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Buddhist monks on a 2,300 mile walk for peace to arrive in Charlotte this week
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The Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, who are undertaking a 2,300 mile pilgrimage of Walk for Peace, arrive for a welcome ceremony at Hong Kong City Mall in Houston Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Photo: Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
A small group of Buddhist monks is stopping in Charlotte as part of a massive peace walk spanning 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C.
Why it matters: The pilgrimage, called the "Walk for Peace," has drawn national attention for its message of peace and mindfulness, with crowds gathering across the South to witness the venerable monks.
- Charlotte is one of the next major stops, though exact details are still being finalized. Here's what you need to know ahead of their arrival.
The latest: The monks will spend Thursday morning (Day 83) walking from Charlotte to Concord via US-29, according to a Facebook update.
- They will stop for lunch at Sugar Creek Recreation Center (943 W Sugar Creek Road).
- Visiting hours are 10:30am-1pm.
Thursday's overnight rest stop will be zMAX Dragway in Concord (6570 Bruton Smith Blvd).
- Visiting hours are from 6–9pm.
If you go: Check the group's live map and route overview to see exactly where they'll pass through on the way to Concord.
- Arrival dates and times can change due to weather, safety and logistics, according to a TikTok from organizers outlining tentative plans for the week.
What to expect: Crowds and limited parking. Many have traveled from neighboring states just to catch a glimpse.
- Thousands turned out for their stop in Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, for example.
- The monks typically take a midday lunch stop and a nightly rest stop along the route.
- The monks have temporarily stopped accepting material items, per their website. Those interested can still make a monetary donation.
- While there's no official statement from the monks on how to greet them, some online posts encourage people to show respect by walking behind them and avoiding touching or hugging.
Yes, but: Their beloved rescue dog, Aloka, who often walks at the very front, is currently recovering from knee surgery, per WBTV. It's unclear whether Aloka will make any appearances in Charlotte.
Zoom out: The walk began in October from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth.
- The route will pass through 10 states in total, with stops planned at each state capital to "share a message of compassion, mindfulness, and peace in a time of uncertainty," organizers said on social media.
By the numbers: The pilgrimage has amassed a huge social media following — with over a combined three million followers across TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
- All of the accounts are updated multiple times a day with travel details and visit recaps.
Reality check: The journey has not been without hardship. On Nov. 19 near Dayton, Texas, a vehicle struck the group's escort car, which then pushed into the monks during their walk. One monk's leg was so severely injured that it had to be amputated, the Houston Chronicle reports.
What they're saying: "We walk not to protest, but to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us," monk Bhikkhu Paññākār wrote in a Facebook post.
- "The Walk for Peace is a simple yet meaningful reminder that unity and kindness begin within each of us and can radiate outward to families, communities, and society as a whole."
What's next: The walk will continue past Charlotte and make several stops around Salisbury and Greensboro before reaching Raleigh on Jan. 24.
- The walk is expected to end in Washington, D.C., in mid-February, where the monks will ask Congress to recognize Buddha's birthday and enlightenment as a federal holiday, ABC News reports.
Editor's note: This story was updated the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 14, with the latest itinerary. Arrival times and locations will continue to be updated.