The general coloration of the upper parts varies from buffy gray to dark brown and foxy red. The underparts usually are paler. There is a black stripe on the foreleg, a white patch on the throat, and a dark stripe down the middle of the back. The conical horns, which are carried by both sexes, are 127-78 mm in length, curve backward, and are marked by small irregular ridges. The facial profile is concave, the back is somewhat arched, and the limbs are stout and long, well adapted to climbing and jumping.
Females have four mammae.
Nemorhaedus resembles Capricornis in general appearance but is distinguished by smaller size, absence of facial glands, and shorter horns. They noted also that the species N. baileyi has certain characters intermediate to those of serows and other gorals and that the species Capricornis crispus has several characters resembling those of gorals. Gorals are found on rugged, wooded mountains, generally at elevations of 1,000-4,000 meters. They are most active during the early morning and late evening, but on cloudy days they roam throughout the day. After eating in the morning, they usually drink water, then retire to a sunny rock ledge to stretch out and rest until evening.