Nepal and China on December 8, 2020 jointly announced the new height of the Mount Everest-the world’s highest peak. According to this announcement, the new height of the Mount Everest is 8,848.86 m above sea level which is 86 cm higher than the previously recognised 8,848 m.
- The 8,848m height Nepal had been using for Mount Everest was determined by the Survey of India in 1954. For the first time Nepal has now conducted its own measurement of the summit.
- China’s previous official measurement of 8,844.43m had put the mountain nearly four metres lower than Nepal’s. The Chinese surveyors had calculated their figure after they measured the mountain in 2005.
- Controversary: China had said previously that the Mount Everest should be measured to its rock height, while Nepalese authorities argued the snow on top of the summit should be included. But with the new joint announcement, the matter is settled now.
