Abstract: Objective The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon Basin exhibits pronounced vertical zonation. Hydropower development in the basin has intensified human activities, contributed to the degradation of soil and water conservation functions, and created an urgent need for soil erosion prevention and control. Methods This study employed the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model and a freeze-thaw erosion intensity assessment model to evaluate the intensity of water erosion and freeze-thaw erosion in the region. An optimal parameters-based geographical detector was further used to reveal the vertical differentiation patterns of the two erosion types in the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon Basin and to identify their driving factors and interaction mechanisms. Results 1) Water erosion was generally strong throughout the basin, while freeze-thaw erosion was also pronounced, and both increased continuously with elevation. From 2000 to 2023, water erosion showed an intensifying trend, whereas the spatial pattern of freeze-thaw erosion remained generally stable. 2) Water erosion was dominant below 4,500 m, with slope and precipitation identified as the main driving factors. In freeze-thaw erosion zones, erosion intensity was jointly regulated by slope, temperature, and snow cover conditions. 3) The coupling between topography and climate was the primary driver of erosion development. Slope was the dominant factor controlling the spatial differentiation of erosion across the basin, while vegetation cover significantly inhibited water erosion. In contrast, the effects of human activities, such as grazing, were significant only in localized areas. Conclusions This study clarifies the differentiation patterns and driving mechanisms of water and freeze-thaw erosion in alpine canyon regions and, accordingly, proposes zoned ecological management strategies for different geomorphic units. The findings provide theoretical support and technical guidance for regional soil and water conservation decision-making and the ecological sustainability of alpine watersheds.