Going to Iran in winter has obvious risks of snow ruining your plans. Taking the smaller eastern road into Soleyman, it was cleared but still a few ice patches, the road leading out West was much better. However, the actual site was covered by half a meter of beautiful white snow. Missing the plowed parking spaces at the bottom I drove right up through the gate and parked next to the staff. When they pointed it out I apologized but pointed at my watch for it was getting late and they let me stay there. I will thus start a new connection of “Zoë parked here illegally” (kidding but I also have Sharjah Airport Museum, Alisadr Cave and errr Rome [/w Parking Ticket I never got to pay, long story]). The staff mainly wanted to ensure I bought a ticket so I waded over to the booth yet he didn't have change for a 500k note. In typical fashion I got waved through (I later returned to see if he has change but he waved me away again so this now on my “Zoë has free entry” connection).

As for the site itself it was unfortunately hard to even read the snowed in panels and make out what some of the buildings were supposed to be, but I reckon it is just my misfortune with the weather. The lake was still beautiful and the surrounding scenery made it clear why the fortification was up here. Some of the men were still clearing the paths but I saw most of it, with the largely intact tunnel being the highlight, unfortunately it seems to stop at an impasse or at least in winter for sure. I actually only followed to the end because I saw footprints leading left near the but they turned out to be from a dog…

Either way, not the most impressive place but was worth coming up for.