This is the spectacular moment an avalanche cascaded down a mountain into a lake in Nepal.

Several tourists were gathered at the foot of the mountain overlooking the clear water when there was a rumbling in the distance on Monday (Jan 11).

Within moments hundreds of tonnes of snow and ice were thundering down the steep slopes above the Kapuche Glacier Lake in Parche.

A kayaker on the clear blue lake had to frantically turn back and paddle ashore while several other tourists yelled in excitement.

While those on the shores of the lake had to run for cover as they were pounded with freezing wind and ice.

Onlooker Shambhu Adhikari said: ‘This was the most thrilling and awesome experience of my life. Luckily I moved out of the way quickly, saving my life and my guitar.

‘I am blessed to have been able to see such an incredible sight. Kapuche Lake is magnificent. It’s the eighth wonder of Nepal.’

The Kapuche Glacier Lake in Parche, Nepal, is the lowest glacier lake in the world at 2,546 metres above sea level. It is located about 90 miles northwest of Kathmandu and is a scenic stop on a remote trekking route that has been reportedly open to the public for the last three years.

Avalanches happen when a large amount of snow collects on a steep mountainside but it is not well bonded together. When some of the snow particles become loose and can no longer withstand the weight, they begin rolling down and quickly collect others until an avalanche is formed.