The fortress is believed to have been founded between 500-600 AD by the Hephthalites, around the same time as the Buddhas of Bamyan were carved into rock in the Bamiyan valley.

[1] The city lies at the easternmost point of the Bamyan valley, above the confluence of the Kunduz and Kalu Ganga rivers.

Zuhak was fortified during the Islamic period (10th - 13th century), under the rule of the Ghaznavid and Ghorid dynasties.

The fortress was later ransacked by Genghis Khan and his army during the Mongol siege of Bamyan, as a part of the greater invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire.

The fortress was protected by ramparts, built along the steep cliffs bounding the site, which were equipped with several watchtowers, some of which still stand today.