The National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest is easily one of our favourite travel photography competitions - we defy anyone not to be inspired by these beautiful photographs that, at times, are every bit as artistic as a painting. We begin our journey with the overall winner, Cedric Houin.

First place: Cedric Houin
Location: Wakhan Corridor, Afghanistan

'This image was shot in the Kyrgyz lands of the Wakhan Corridor. The intimacy of this everyday life moment, shot inside of a family yurt, is in total contrast with the harsh environment these nomadic tribes live in. On the right we notice a television and a sound console. These tribes live weeks away from any village by foot. In spite of being located at an altitude of 4,300 meters in one of the most remote areas of Afghanistan they are equipped with solar panels, satellite dishes and cellphones. Ancestral ways of living, with touches of modernity.'