Buddhist monks ‘Walk for Peace’ to arrive in North Carolina

More than a million people are following a group of Buddhist monks as they make their “Walk for Peace” across the US. They’re expected to arrive in North Carolina this week.

As of Jan. 13, the monks were scheduled to arrive in Charlotte on Jan. 14. You can learn more about their trek, including information about planned stops in North Carolina, on their Facebook page.

Many North Carolina residents may have seen or heard of a group of Buddhist monks traveling across the country by foot.

These monks make up the Walk for Peace — a movement that has gained huge national attention. As of Jan. 12, the official Facebook page had garnered over 1 million followers and counting.

And the attention isn’t just online. Residents are taking to the streets to meet and cheer on the monks as their journey passes through their home cities.

But what is the Walk for Peace, and why are the monks doing it?

And for North Carolina residents, when and where will the monks be stopping in the state?

What is the Walk for Peace?

The walk involves Buddhist monks — along with their dog, Aloka — traveling by foot across multiple states. According to the official Facebook page, the monks are undertaking this journey to “raise awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world.”

The monks often arrive at their rest stops to huge groups of supporters who are there to encourage and witness the journey.

Buddhist monks walk on the Walk for Peace at Bethany Independent Methodist Church in Lincolnton, Ga., on Jan. 6, 2026. The Buddhist monks will be walking 2,300 miles from Fort Worth to Washington D.C. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale – Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY NETWORK

How long is the Walk for Peace?

The walk is 120 days, about 2,300 miles.

Where are the monks in Walk for Peace now?

On Monday, Jan. 12 morning, the monks set out from Ridgeway, South Carolina, on their way to Great Falls, South Carolina. Their path will take them up through Rock Hill on their way to Charlotte, North Carolina.

When and where will the Walk for Peace pass through North Carolina?

The monks are estimated to arrive in Charlotte on Jan. 15. From there, they will travel through Salisbury before arriving in Greensboro on Jan. 19. The monks will then travel to Raleigh. They’re estimated to arrive to the state capital on Jan. 24.

These are all estimated dates, and subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

The Walk for Peace can be tracked by the overview map and live map on the official website.

Where did the Walk for Peace start?

The walk started on Oct. 26 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Where does the Walk for Peace end?

The walk will end in Washington, D.C., sometime in February.

Reporting by Charlie Kingree, Wilmington StarNews / Wilmington StarNews

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect