Mount Everest is the central peak of the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range, located in the southern part within the borders of Nepal.

The discovery of this world's highest peak dates back over 300 years, while the history of human attempts to climb it spans less than a century.

Humans' first successful ascent of Mount Everest took place on May 29, 1953. A photograph captured on that day provides the widely accepted answer. In the image, Nepalese guide Tenzing Norgay stands atop Everest, holding a chunk of ice with a fluttering flag attached.

The photo was taken by the renowned New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary. At 33, Hillary reached the summit with the assistance of guide Norgay, becoming the first person widely recognized to have conquered Everest.

However, three decades before Hillary's ascent, there was one man who, without modern climbing equipment, had come closest, if not reached, the summit and remained there forever. This legendary figure is George Mallory, a celebrated icon for countless mountaineering enthusiasts.

In 1921, a British expedition claimed the title of the first team to attempt an ascent of Everest, starting from the Chinese Tibetan side. They fell short of crossing the north col's top and self-declared their reached altitude as 6,985 meters.

In 1922, the second British expedition, led by George Bruce, crossed the north col but faced failure at an altitude of 8,225 meters, with seven fatalities.

In 1924, the third British expedition, under the leadership of F.V. Norton, attempted the north slope. When Norton and his team reached around 8,572 meters below the "Second Step" on the north slope, they were forced to descend due to insufficient oxygen. However, climbers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine pressed on and never returned, becoming lost in the clouds of Everest.

After 11 more unsuccessful attempts, human perseverance prevailed on May 29, 1953, when Nepalese Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay and New Zealand climber Sir Edmund Hillary successfully reached the summit during the 15th organized climb of Everest.

Despite how often it has been conquered, humanity's fascination and curiosity with Everest have never waned. The measurement of Everest's height will continue through various methods.

Triangulation and intersection measurements, though somewhat primitive, can be performed with conventional equipment and mathematical techniques, except for the challenging ascent.

In addition, surveyors ascending the summit must set up GNSS receiving devices, connecting with systems such as the American GPS, China's Beidou, GLONASS, and the European Union's Galileo. Satellites from these systems continuously confirm the coordinates of the receiving points over time.

Gravity measurements involve determining the gravity acceleration value at Everest's summit, measuring the gravity in surrounding areas, and establishing a weight field model to calibrate Everest's height.

Furthermore, ice and snow detection radar must be installed on Everest to locate the peak beneath the snow and measure the ice and snow cover depth.

Human curiosity and determination persist in the relentless pursuit of Everest's mysteries and heights. From the early explorations in the 1920s, marked by challenges and losses, to the triumphant ascent in 1953, the story of Mount Everest is a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration.

As we continue to measure, map, and uncover the secrets hidden in the clouds and snow, Everest remains a symbol of human achievement and nature's enduring mysteries. Each step taken toward its summit echoes the legacy of those who came before, including enigmatic figures like George Mallory, forever frozen in the embrace of the world's highest peaks.

Mount Everest is a silent witness to the triumphs and tragedies of our quest for the extraordinary. The allure of its towering heights and the challenges it poses ensure that, in the years to come, humanity will persist in unraveling its mysteries, continuing the legacy of exploration that began centuries ago.

As we gaze upon Everest, we are reminded that the human spirit remains undeterred in the face of the unknown, reaching for new heights and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.