When are the monks coming to Raleigh? See their latest route
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Monks are expected in Raleigh Saturday, Jan. 24.
- Follow live progress via dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/live-map or Facebook updates.
- There’s no official monk merch, but supporters can donate via Zeffy or Zelle.
A small procession of Buddhist monks — accompanied by Aloka the Peace Dog — is making a 2,300-mile pilgrimage from Texas to Washington, D.C., and expect to arrive in the Triangle in the coming days.
The Walk for Peace passed through Charlotte on Thursday, Jan. 15, drawing onlookers and followers who traveled from across the region to greet the monks, meditate alongside them and receive blessing cords, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Online, the monks offer daily reflections and updates, inviting those who cannot join them on the road to “walk together in spirit,” and to carry the work of peace wherever they happen to be.
In a Facebook update Thursday morning, the group shared photos of Aloka the Peace Dog, who is recovering from surgery, sleeping soundly during the drive to Charlotte, where the monks said they are heading for a “very special reunion.” The post describes Aloka as calm and healed, and ends with a blessing wishing peace and well-being for “all beings.”
Here’s what you need to know.
When will the monks get to the Triangle?
According to the route overview map, the monks are expected in Raleigh on Saturday, Jan. 24, but exact arrival times have not yet been announced.
How to track the monks
You can track the monks online by using the official Walk for Peace live tracking map, which shows their route and their approximate daily progress. You can follow along at dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/live-map. You can also follow along through their Facebook page at facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa.
Do the monks talk?
Yes. During their peace walk through communities, the monks speak with local residents and share their mission of peace, unity, and compassion when they stop in towns, South Carolina Public Radio reported.
Do the monks sleep?
Yes. Each day includes rest periods, meals and time to sleep, according to their website, usually in modest accommodations arranged by volunteers, local temples or community hosts along the route.
How to get a blessing cord
The monks offer blessing cords for free as a gift of peace and mindfulness to anyone they meet along the walk, according to their website.
The cords aren’t sold or mailed, and receiving one is meant to be a personal, in-person moment of connection with the journey, though friends can pick one up for you.
Can you pet Aloka?
That’s unclear, however People Magazine described him as calm, gentle and comfortable around crowds, often walking beside the monks or riding in a support vehicle when he needs rest.
Can you buy monk merch?
Yes, but there aren’t any official products. “Please note that the Walk for Peace does NOT sell any merchandise, products, or services online or at our stops,” a post from the group’s Instagram page reads.
Some unofficial products, such as t-shirts, are available on sites like Etsy.
How to support the monks
You can support the monks by making an online donation to help fund the walk and support their mission through their official donation page on Zeffy.
You can also send donations directly via Zelle using huongdaovip2018@yahoo.com.
This story was originally published January 15, 2026 at 11:36 AM.
