Shirlak Waterfall, Mountain waterfall in Ongudaysky District, Russia.

Shirlak Waterfall is a multi-level cascade in the Altai Mountains with water dropping across several layers of rock formations. The falls move through natural stone channels and pools created by centuries of flowing water.

The waterfall on the Tektu River, called Chirlak by the Altai explorer V. I. Vereshchagin, was described by him in 1909 as a river plunging from a high stone wall. At its mouth rise the whitish limestone cliffs of Upper Ak-Bom, like those of Lower Ak-Bom. A local legend links the falls to a girl and her small brother who, during an attack on Oirotia at the fall of the Dzungar Khanate, jumped from the cliff rather than live in exile.

The name comes from the Altai word chorlok, meaning a drop or something murmuring. A legend tells that during an attack on Oirotia in the era of the Dzungar Khanate's fall, a wounded girl and her little brother jumped from the cliff rather than live in exile; the falls are said to flow as her sparing tears.

The route to this waterfall demands sturdy footwear and careful steps across rocky, uneven ground throughout the approach. Visitors should wear weather-resistant clothing and allow extra time since hiking over the stone paths requires steady footing and patience.

The Altai name churlok means "drop" or "murmuring". A legend tells that during an attack on Oirotia in the era of the Dzungar Khanate's fall, a wounded girl and her little brother jumped from the cliff rather than live in exile, and the falls have run as a scant tear ever since.