Sunday, May 22 2005 14:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: A record 24 Chinese mountaineers and scientists today (May 22, 2005) conquered Mt Everest, re-measured its height and set up a survey beacon atop the world's highest peak.

The 24 Chinese mountaineers and researchers have begun their descent from Mt Qomolangma (Chinese name for Mt Everest) at about 12:25 Beijing Time (0955 hrs IST) after completing their measuring work at the summit, reports from the expedition headquarters in the Himalayas said.

During their 77-minute stay at the peak, they have erected a survey beacon at the top of the peak and used Global Positioning System (GPS) and radar devices to measure the height, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The 24-member expedition team included Pubu, Ngawang, Gyabu Jr and Dorji Gaesang of the Tibet Mountaineering Team, and surveyors.

The first batch of four-scaled Mt Everest at about 11:08 Beijing Time (0838 hrs IST), the report said.

Mt Everest, which straddles the border of China and Nepal, is 8,848.13 metres above the sea level, according to China's first measurement in 1975.

The ascent, which was first scheduled for May 5, 2005, was repeatedly hampered by bad weather.