Here are the NC stops for the Buddhist monks’ ‘Walk for Peace’

What to know about the Buddhist monks and their “Walk for Peace,” which includes multiple stops in North Carolina.

As the Walk for Peace continues, the group of Buddhist monks arrived in North Carolina and the Charlotte area Wednesday afternoon.

As of Jan. 15, the procession of 19 monks and their support crew was walking in the Charlotte area, according to their live map.

Here’s what we know:

The Buddhist monks’ trek

The Walk for Peace started in Fort Worth, Texas, in October. It is expected to conclude on Feb. 10 in Washington, D.C.

The journey is being charted online and on the Walk for Peace Facebook page.

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

Unexpected injury

The monks have been accompanied by their rescue dog, Aloka.

The dog sustained a leg injury and had surgery in South Carolina on Jan. 12. The monks explained in a TikTok video that the injury dates back to Aloka’s time as a stray in India.

Aloka will be able to walk for up to 10 minutes at a time, a maximum of six times per day for the first week after his surgery, according to information posted on social media.

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

Buddhist monks’ arrival in Charlotte

The first stop will be at Marion Diehl Recreation Center and Pool at 2219 Tyvola Road, Charlotte.

Visiting hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m.

North Carolina stops also include:

• First Baptist Church-West, 1801 Oaklawn Ave., Charlotte
• 265 Willow Creek Drive, Salisbury
• 2021 Bishop Road, Greensboro
• 331 Silk Hope Road, Siler City
• Paul Derr Track Facility, 2495 Cates Ave., Raleigh
• 3591 NC-58, Centerville

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

Sharing gifts, prayer

The monks have shared prayers, meals, hugs, flowers and bracelets that symbolize good fortune and peace.

Reporting by Diane Turbyfill, Gaston Gazette / The Gaston Gazette

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect