This paper is the result of hydrogeological survey engineering. Objective There are many tectonic karst areas with complex karst hydrogeological structures, diverse recharge sources, and abundant groundwater in the eastern part of the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau. Analyses and research of the recharge sources and details about the controls on groundwater cycling in the tectonic karst on the plateau are important for guiding the development and utilization of karst water resources, protecting the ecology, and preventing and reducing disasters. Methods Using information from field investigations, flow measurements, hydrochemistry and stable isotope analysis, we analyzed the groundwater recharge sources in the karst areas in the eastern part of the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau, considered the factors that influenced the recharge sources and recharge progress, and made recommendations for the development and utilization of the groundwater. Results Atmospheric precipitation was the main recharge source of the main karst springs on the eastern Qinghai–Xizang Plateau. There were four main recharge modes, including direct recharge through high–level fissures, continuous recharge from high–level lakes, continuous seepage recharge in catchment depressions, and river seepage. Conclusions The different recharge modes in the eastern Qinghai–Xizang Plateau developed over sustained time periods because of the coupling of internal factors, such as the history of the karst formation and its evolution, the geological structure, and the lithologic combination, and external factors, such as the meteorology, the landforms, and glacier movements. From our analysis of the characteristics of the water quality and quantity of the karst springs, we developed three categories for the development and utilization of the groundwater resource, namely karst springs with water quality in classes Ⅰ–Ⅲ, the development and utilization of which can be expanded; brackish water, which can be developed and utilized after mixing with other water; and salt water, which can be transformed and used for developing tourism.