Twenty-four Chinese researchers and mountaineers started their assault on Mount Qomolangma, the summit of the earth, which is known as Mount Everest in the West, to remeasure its height at 3:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The endeavor is part of China's comprehensive scientific research program on the mountain, which was launched in March.

The mountain, which straddles the border of China and Nepal, is8,848.13 meters above sea level, according to China's first measurement in 1975.

The ascent, which was first scheduled for May 5, was repeatedly hampered by wretched weather conditions.