In order to elucidate the longitudinal distribution of soil nematode communities across the northern Tibetan Plateau, a study was conducted focusing on the alpine meadow ecosystem of this region. Utilizing high-throughput sequencing technology, we examined and analyzed how the diversity, structure, and functional traits of soil nematode communities vary longitudinally from west to east. Concurrently, potential environmental factors were assessed. The findings indicated that there is a noticeable trend of increasing soil organic matter and nutrient levels, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, the concentration of heavy metals in the soil also shows a gradual increase. The diversity indices of soil nematodes, such as the observed species richness (sobs) and the estimated species richness (chao), exhibit a tendency to rise. The community structure of soil nematodes revealed a higher degree of similarity in areas closer to the central urban regions of the northern Tibetan Plateau (within 67 km), whereas significant differences were observed in regions more distant from the urban centers (beyond 67 km). The soil food web's organic matter decomposition predominantly favors the bacterial pathway, and the index of PPI/MI and structure index (SI) were found to be reliable predictors of the disturbance levels within soil nematode communities. These findings underscore the role of hydrothermal conditions in the alpine meadows of the northern Tibetan Plateau, which shift from west to east, regulating plant communities and, in turn, influencing the availability of soil nutrients through plant productivity. The status of these soil nutrients profoundly impacts the diversity of soil nematode communities. Moreover, the structure and functionality of these communities are not solely dependent on soil nutrient conditions but are also significantly affected by the proximity to urban centers on the plateau, reflecting the varying degrees of human-induced disturbances. The northern Tibetan Plateau, recognized for its high average altitude, is highly sensitive to environmental changes and disturbances. Both climatic fluctuations and human interventions, even those of a relatively minor nature, can exert a discernible influence on the structure and function of soil nematode communities. The specific impacts and the mechanisms behind these influences warrant further in-depth investigation. This study provides valuable insights into the intricate relationship between soil nematode communities and their environment in the high-altitude ecosystem of the northern Tibetan Plateau. The longitudinal gradient study offers a comprehensive understanding of how biotic and abiotic factors interact to shape these communities. The implications of these findings are crucial for the conservation and management of this sensitive ecosystem, particularly in the face of ongoing climate change and increasing human activities. Future research should focus on the long-term monitoring of these communities and the development of strategies to mitigate the impacts of disturbances on the soil nematode communities, which play a vital role in maintaining the health and resilience of the alpine meadow ecosystem.