<p>The Tibetan Plateau, with its unique climate, serves as a crucial geographical and ecological barrier. However, its natural environment has been compromised by global warming and human activities, leading to a significant decline in its ecological capacity. This study aims to evaluate the soil’s environmental capacity and the spatial distribution of heavy metal contamination across the plateau using the Integrated Environmental Capacity Index method. To overcome the limitations of traditional point-based sampling, we used a large-area continuous sampling method, collecting 1,706 soil samples from Yushu City, Qinghai Province, China. The environmental capacities of the nine elements in the study area, listed in descending order, are Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Sb, As, Hg, and Cd. The findings revealed that geological background and soil type significantly influenced most elements, while human activities, particularly land exploitation methods, substantially impacted the content of As, Cd, Cu, and Hg. The average integrated environmental capacity index for the region’s soil was 0.92, indicating medium environmental capacity and low risk to health. This study emphasizes the impact of grazing on the soil’s heavy metal environmental capacity and underscores the broader ecological consequences of human activities in critical areas. The results suggest that sustainable land management measures are needed to protect the ecological integrity of the Tibetan Plateau.</p>