This is the heart-warming moment a determined dog joined dozens of Buddhist monks on a pilgrimage – battling its way across a raging river.

The pet pooch from a temple in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, went along with the younger novice monks and several older men for a 329km trek across the region.

When they reached a treacherous river the brave dog was filmed clambering across a bamboo pole bridge which the group had built in order to cross the torrent.

Head monk Phra Arunmatee Puttipat Ranan said: ''This was a meditative walking journey for monks and younger novices.

''The trip is taken as a pilgrimage journey where participants get to practice and strengthen their inner self. The pup stayed with the group from beginning till the end. He was very strong.''

This is the heart-warming moment a determined dog joined dozens of Buddhist monks on a pilgrimage - battling its way across a raging river.

The pet pooch from a temple in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, went along with the younger novice monks and several older men for a 329km trek across the region.

When they reached a treacherous river the brave dog was filmed clambering across a bamboo pole bridge which the group had built in order to cross the torrent.

Head monk Phra Arunmatee Puttipat Ranan said: ''This was a meditative walking journey for monks and younger novices.

''The trip is taken as a pilgrimage journey where participants get to practice and strengthen their inner self. The pup stayed with the group from beginning till the end. He was very strong.''