It has long fur that is black or brownish-black, except for the forehead and the lower half of all four legs, which are grayish-white or golden-yellow. This facial marking is known as Na Pho (white forehead). The lower parts of the legs, from above the knees down to the hooves, are also grayish-white or golden-yellow, giving the appearance of wearing socks. The coloring on the gaur's forehead and socks is caused by oily secretions in their sweat, which is a unique characteristic of this species. They have a short neck and a long dewlap hanging from under the throat. Their horns are a deep greenish color with brighter tips, and the base of the horns features ridges that become more prominent with age.

Male gaurs are larger than females. Calves are reddish-brown in color, similar to the fur of a muntjac, and have a black stripe running down the center of their backs. Young calves do not yet have the socks seen on adult gaurs. Their body and head length is 250–300 centimeters, with a tail length of 70–105 centimeters. They stand 170–185 centimeters tall at the shoulder and weigh between 650–900 kilograms, with males being heavier than females. They are distributed across southern China, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia, and are classified into three subspecies.