The real problem with Mt Everest

News flash! (from a world I’m currently inhabiting):

Nepal and China agree Mount Everest is tall – but each have their own idea of just how tall.

According to the Kathmandu Post, the neighboring nations met this week in Kathmandu to end a long-standing feud over the height of the famous mountain, which resides along the border of both countries.

China believes Everest measures about 29,017 feet (8,844.43 meters) high. Nepal, however, believes it to be about 29,029 feet (8,848 meters).

Why the difference? China limits its measurement to the mountain’s rocky peak, while Nepal includes the snow that covers it.

Text and images ©2024 Antony Loewenstein. All rights reserved.

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