Buddhist monks conclude peace walk in Washington, DC. See photos. ~ MN MAG

A group ofBuddhist monkswho have been walking across the country for peace since October arrived in Washington, DC on Tuesday, Feb. 10, one of their last stops in a 2,300-mile journey.

The men have traveled across eight U.S. states — Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia — to reach the nation's capital.

The trek has been far from easy. In recent weeks, the approximately two dozen traveling Buddhist monks have beenconfronted with brutal freezing temperatures. In November, the monks' security vehicle was involved in a car accident that left one of the monks with injuries so severe that his leg was amputated.

Additionally,Aloka, the group's beloved dog, a former stray adopted from Kolkata, India, underwent surgery for a leg injury. The pup has since rejoined the group.

Buddhist monks continue their March for Peace as they cross Chain Bridge over the Potomac River February 10, 2026 between Arlington, Virginia and Washington, DC. Nearly two dozen monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, walked 2,300 miles to promote national healing, unity and compassion. The journey began on Oct. 26 in Texas and is expected to end on Feb. 12.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> With the Washington Monument in the background, Buddhist monks continue their March for Peace on February 9, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia.

With the Washington Monument in the background, Buddhist monks continue their March for Peace on February 9, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia.

Buddhist monks continue their March for Peace as they cross Chain Bridge over the Potomac River February 10, 2026 between Arlington, Virginia and Washington, DC. A group of 18 monks began their march to raise awareness of

Buddhist monks continue their March for Peace as they pass the intersection of Langston Boulevard and Glebe Road February 9, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia. A group of 18 monks began a 2,300-mile march on October 26 in Fort Worth, Texas, to raise awareness of

Buddhist monks continue their 'Walk for Peace' in nation's capital

Buddhist monkscontinue their March for Peace as they cross Chain Bridge over the Potomac River February 10, 2026 between Arlington, Virginia and Washington, DC.Nearly two dozen monksfrom the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, walked 2,300 miles to promote national healing, unity and compassion. The journey began on Oct. 26 in Texas and is expected to end on Feb. 12.

Why are the monks walking?

The monks embarked on the journey to remind Americans that peace is not a destination, according to the pilgrimage's announcement.

"As the nation faces challenges of division, mental health crises, and conflict both at home and abroad, this pilgrimage offers a simple yet profound message: Peace begins within the heart of each person and extends outward to families, communities, and the nation as a whole," a "Walk for Peace"news releasestated.

Buddhist monks often undertake long walking pilgrimages that last months. During their walk, the monks observed a strict ascetic code inspired by ancient traditions. Those traditions include eating just one meal per day and sleeping beneath trees, which is considered a practice of humility, endurance and spiritual focus.

The monks announced they had arrived in Washington, DC, around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Upon crossing into the District from Virginia, Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara thanked those who had been following their journey via avideo posted to social media. He encouraged their supporters to continue advocating for peace to "change this world together."

When will the monks go home?

The group is hosting events in the nation's capital across two days. On Wednesday, Feb. 11, they'll walk to the Peace Monument, which stands in front of the U.S. Capitol. In the afternoon, they plan to walk to the Lincoln Memorial, where a concluding ceremony will commemorate the end of their journey.

The group, which is from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, is scheduled to head home on Thursday, Feb. 12.

Watch the monks as they arrive in Washington, DC.