A group of Buddhist monks walking 2,300 miles from Texas to Washington will make their way through Arlington Feb. 9 and 10. The 108-day Walk for Peace is intended to promote compassion, unity and mindful living. Arlington is their final stop before they reach the nation’s capital.
A recent Facebook post showed the procession arriving in Alexandria on Feb. 8, their 106th day of walking. The group of 19 monks began their walk on Oct. 26, 2025 from the Huong Dao Buddhist Temple. They have walked through ice, snow and cold for much of their journey—often escorted by police and greeted by crowds of onlookers offering gifts of hand warmers, water and flowers.
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They welcome all onlookers and those who wish to join them at their final destination.“After more than 108 days and countless steps through many states, we will arrive in our nation’s capital with hearts full of gratitude. We warmly welcome all who wish to be part of these final, sacred moments of our journey,” they posted in a statement on their website.
The monks’ stop in Richmond on day 100 drew thousands to Richmond City Hall, where Gov. Abigail Spanberger said the walk will “make clear to the people of the United States and the world that when you believe in something, you can bring people together in common cause.”
In her first official proclamation as Virginia governor, Spanberger recognized Feb. 2, 2026 as “Walk for Peace Day” in the Commonwealth.
Arlington County Police will close roads in Arlington as they pass through on the final leg of their journey. Drivers should plan to take alternate routes. They ask spectators to line the streets quietly, and not attempt to touch, walk with or step in front of the monks.
On Feb. 9 they’re expected to walk north up Route 1 through Crystal City, then north on Washington Boulevard and N. Glebe Rd to arrive at Marymount University for a private event.
On Feb. 10 they will leave Marymount University at 7 a.m. for their final leg into the District via North Glebe Road and Chain Bridge Road. They will participate in an interfaith ceremony at Washington National Cathedral at 1 p.m. and continue on to George Washington University.
On Feb. 11 the monks will spend the day in the District with stops at the Capitol and Lincoln Memorial where they have planned a peace gathering and concluding ceremony from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Those interested in spectating or following the route can see their progress on the live Walk for Peace map. Or watch it all on their Facebook account, which has more than 2.5 million followers or Instagram, where they have 1.8 million followers.