KATHMANDU, JUNE 16 A Vietnamese Buddhist monk delegation accompanied by 'Aloka'-the dog that gained global attention during a 3,700-kilometre peace walk in the United States-visited major Buddhist heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley on Monday as part of their ongoing 'Walk for Peace' campaign. The group, led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, visited Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Charumati Chaitya and nearby viharas, following their arrival in Nepal from Lumbini. The delegation had earlier completed a 108-day peace march across multiple US states, covering over 3,700 km, promoting messages of compassion, non-violence and mindfulness. The team includes around 18 monks and followers, along with Aloka, who reportedly remained with the monks throughout the entire journey. The monks travelled to Nepal via Thailand and India, with their campaign focused on spreading Buddhist teachings that emphasise inner peace as the foundation of global harmony. The group is also scheduled to interact with various communities in Kathmandu, conduct meditation sessions, and share the message that peace begins within oneself and must extend to all living beings. Earlier in the day, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Poudel welcomed the delegation in Kathmandu, describing Aloka's companionship during the long journey, through sun, rain and snow, as a symbol of compassion, loyalty and coexistence. The visiting monks have been promoting Buddhist philosophy through public interactions and teachings during their journey, stressing that universal peace is possible only through compassion towards all sentient beings.