Article written by VOLF.TV TEAM , content strategy and produced by Manjeet Bhatt.
Mount Everest is indeed a source of geographical confusion for many, but its location straddling the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China is well-documented in historical records and by geographers. Mount Everest named after British surveyor Sir George Everest, also known as Sagarmatha (lit. Goddess of the Sky) in Nepali , Chomolungma (lit. Holy Mother) in Tibetan, and 珠穆朗玛峰 (Zhūmùlǎngmǎ Fēng) in Chinese, stands as the Earth’s highest mountain above sea level. It is situated in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas and spans the border between China and Nepal at its summit point. The mountain’s latest confirmed elevation, determined in 2020 through joint efforts of Chinese and Nepali authorities, is 8,848.86 meters (29,031 feet and 8½ inches). Here, we look into the historical and geographical evidence to provide more clarity on the matter of dual nationality of Mount Everest:
1. Historical Records:
Historical records dating back to the 19th century confirm that Mount Everest is situated on the border between Nepal and Tibet. When British surveyor Sir George Everest’s team, led by Sir Andrew Waugh, conducted the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India in the mid-19th century, they accurately determined the location of the world’s highest peak. They referred to the mountain as “Peak XV,” which later became Mount Everest. The survey revealed that the mountain’s northern side (now part of the Tibet Autonomous Region) was higher than its southern side (in Nepal).
2. The Border Agreement:
In 1961, Nepal and China signed the Sino-Nepal Agreement, which officially recognized the boundary between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region. This agreement explicitly defined the border, acknowledging that Mount Everest straddles it. This historical agreement serves as a legal document supporting the mountain’s dual nationality.
3. Mountaineering Expeditions:
Since the early 20th century, when Everest was identified as the world’s highest peak, numerous mountaineering expeditions from around the world have attempted to conquer its summit. These expeditions have always acknowledged the mountain’s location on the Nepal-China border. Climbers typically access the southern side through Nepal or the northern side through Tibet.
4. Geographic Coordinates:
The geographical coordinates of Mount Everest are approximately 27.9881° N latitude and 86.9250° E longitude. These coordinates confirm its position on the Nepal-Tibet border, with the northern side belonging to China and the southern side to Nepal.
In summary, Mount Everest’s location on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China is well-established through historical records, international agreements, and geographical coordinates. It is a shared treasure, and acknowledging its dual nationality adds to the mountain’s unique historical and geopolitical significance. Despite the common misconception that Mount Everest is solely in Nepal, the historical and geographical evidence supports the fact that it stands as a symbol of cooperation and partnership between Nepal and China.
This article has been written by VOLF.TV TEAM , content strategy and produced by Manjeet Bhatt.
