A CUMBRIAN expedition leader has described the harrowing moment the devastating earthquake hit in Nepal.

Chris Harling was acclimatising at Everest Base Camp preparing to lead a group up the world's highest mountain when the 7.8 magnitude quake struck close to Kathmandu on Saturday.

Mr Harling, a member of Keswick Mountain Rescue, said he feared for his life as boulders crashed down slopes following the tremor - which has left thousands homeless and more than 3,000 dead.

Writing on Facebook, Mr Harling, who was leading a team from Ambleside-based Adventure Peaks, said: "Here in base camp we initially felt minor tremors, then the ground began to feel like jelly as waves passed through the rocks beneath our feet. 

"Climbers appeared from tents all over camp to try to start to comprehend what they were feeling. 

"As the movement became more violent I expected the loose and precarious rocky slopes above the camp area to start shedding huge boulders - it was extremely alarming wondering if we were to be buried by rockfall. 

"Sure enough, an area of steep cliffs did break off sending car sized boulders hurtling down only a few hundred metres from our tents. 

"Our thoughts are with any local staff working on Everest who may have been affected by losses."

Tim Mosedale, of Keswick, was also leading an expedition on the mountain. His family said they have spoken to him via satellite phone and that all of his party were ok.