Because of the cold climate, they cannot grow rice and many of the people suffer from malnutrition. Many Thamis work in the stone quarrying business. Their economic condition is very poor and the men often have to carry large, heavy stones at great distances to make a living. Although most Thami women have adopted modern clothing styles, such as saris, some still wear labaedas, which are made from plants that are beaten and woven into fibres. They also wear large gold earrings and nose rings.
Men wear daura surwals made of black cloth, a wide waistband, and caps.
Marriage is considered a very sacred institution to the Thamis and they believe in staying faithful to one partner until death. Thami people are not purely Hindus or Buddhists. They worship deities that are not at all in any of the major religions. They tend to lean towards Buddhism, but they use the rituals of the Hindu religion in their marriages. Many Thamis have heard the name of Jesus and received Christian literature, but few have really understood the gospel message.